Does anyone know of a thread, link or site that talks about and shows pictures on how to remove the existing lower unit and install an extension box?

• Tips and special tricks
• Torque specs
• Where to seal
• Any extra parts

I have spoken to a few people about this and have gotten some great information (thank you!) but I am just looking for some picture of the process done correctly with technical information. I do not want to have to do this twice!

Thanks for the help!

Call Ron at Imco Nevada. 702-294-3030. You wont need any pictures, its very straight forward. If you know how to use a ratchet, you can install one. Ron can walk you through anything technical. The hardest part of the install is mounting the steering ram wings on the sides of the box. If you already have everything torn down, the install should take you about a day if you take your time.

Thanks for the reply... I have spoken with them a few times and they have been wonderful.

I installed it yesterday and for the most part it went smoothly. Two trips to the hardware store for the Teague straight water pipe bolts.

But the big pitfall was the Teague block off plate did not allow for the gimble housing to attach to the box. The plate is too wide!!

I talked to IMCO a couple of times about the project and asked them what do I need in addition to complete the project properly and the straight water pipe and block off plate was not mentioned. I hope they have a plate that will work.

I also added a 12"-13" to all the wires. I am now trying to figure out the best way to attach all the ground wire to the back plate of extension box.

The only wires you should have to attach are the mercathode wires, and the trim sender wires. If you have any grounds to attach, attach them in the same fashion they were attached originally- to the inner transom shield, or to the back of the gimbal housing. It's a pretty straight forward install. If your block off plate is too wide, sand it down. It can't be off by too much- just hit it with a belt sander. Just make sure to paint it with some merc phantom black after you do, just to keep any water off the aluminum.

Wow, nobody's mentioned possibly having to raise the engines, modifying the exhaust tails or relocating the transom cutouts for the tails, installing the drive shafts or extended straight shafts if Imco boxes, hatch clearance issues if engines raised etc. It's not rocket science but not a job for the inexperienced wrencher, IMO.

Fair statement if he got the box with the 3" raise. If he just got the typical neutral box, none of that is an issue. So in fairness, I guess I should have asked which box he has.

Thanks guys for the replies.

Yes.. it is the IMCO neutral and the motor is up in Michigan at Crockett Marine Engines and it will have the CMIs Sport Tubes so I am waiting to get it back before trying to figure out the tails.

Ivrepoman, I have 7 wires (5 on top and 2 on the bottom) that I extended 12". I am still trying to figure out the cleanest way to secure the ground wires. They seem to be a little tight going over the inner transom shield and my guess is that I am going to have to make them a little longer was will to clear the lip. Now... talking about wires, there is a ground wire that is attached to the old steering arm. Do I just leave the wire disconnected?

What do you have going on over there? I hope yours is not in front of mine!!

I would really like to have it by memorial weekend!!

Don't be afraid to extend the wires to a length your comfortable with. Solder them and use 3m heat shrink with sealant. The ground wires your talking about are to help aid with galvanic corrosion. I doubt the tiller arm will be an issue now, but I don't wanna say not to connect it and be the cause of a problem. Don't get stressed about what you've got going on, I find that working on my boat is more fun than actually running my boat. Take your time, and dont be afraid to ask questions. That's how you get answers. There are a ton of guys on this forum that have an infinite wealth of knowledge and experience, and I have yet to find a single person on here unwilling to help another boater...

Well, I cannot answer if mine is in front or not. It has been there since the first week of Feb.

Thanks for the info on the grounding wires. I think I may just attach the tiller wire to be safe. Hope fully I can find an attachment point.