Does the JR Marine cover plate kit work on the TR/TRS housing,
or do I need to do the 1" holes in the sides.

Thanks, Larry

sounds like you have loose steering shaft. i never heard of a repair for that transom with engine, etc still in the boat. i think best bet is to get transom assy out and see how much bad stuff is in there. there are lots of TRS transom assys around these days. although every one is 30 years old like yours...

Sure, you can do the TRS just like the others. Actually you have more room to work beings the transmission moves the engine forward out of your way.

There is a merc kit for that. Either it's a tiller pin kit or gimble ring kit. In both kit it calls for 2 wholes drilled with a hole saw into the top sides of the transom ass. Tapped out to 13/4. That gives room to get the wrench in. Then plastic pipe plug the wholes. Merc supplies the plugs. It's a pain .

Had the same issues. Got rid of the old ball baring and made brass bushings! Problem solved as it was all machined to fit.