Just notified by service folks of a crack in my Bravo 2 outdrive steering ring. Photo link attached. http://grab.by/Jsra
Lack funds to do the $4k engine removal/complete fix. Can the ring be welded/repaired/Mig/Tig'd? What are the hazards associated with a such a repair? Looking for success stories or failures the forum may share.

No one should assume the liability of welding that. Nor should the shop reinstall. Sorry, but the only way that should be done is replace the gimbal ring, or the entire assembly. The parts to rebuild are pretty pricey compared to the price for a new one.

http://www.jrmarine.com/instructions.htm

No need to pull the engine to fix. Can you do any of the work yourself? JRmarine sells a kit for $50-60 to replace from the rear of the boat. I just did it this spring and it worked great. He sells new rings as well as any other parts you may need.

I am looking to have the remainder of the servicing done on both motors and outdrives, but do the crack repair at a later date. Specifics on the JR Marine kit and its ease of install? Thoughts? Would appreciate your insight, and how many hours on yours since the repair?
*Late edit* I saw your link, and think we are talking about two different things. I have a crack in the top of the gimbal ring. Your attached link deals with a swivel shaft repair/replacement.

Have to take the upper pin out to replace the gimbal ring. The jr marine kit is the only way to do that without removing the transom assembly. I've done a couple, if you're doing it yourself it will save you some time and money, if you're paying someone to do the job get quotes on doing it both ways labor and parts

Thanks thus far to all who have replied. As of right now the service folks at the Marine Center of Las Vegas said they'll only go the full engine removal route. Thus I am looking to attempt the work on my own at a later date. Can anyone advise what could potentially go wrong if I continue to run the boat as-is for another month?

You want to know what can happen if you decide to run a knowingly defective and dangerous part? A few things I can think of are:

1) Loss of steering and control at speed and/or around the dock
2) Loss of the actual drive as it torques off and sinks
3) Loss of the boat as the missing drives opens a big hole in the back of the boat and it fills with water
4) Loss of life of you and/or your passengers

https://www.google.com/search?q=site...en+gimbal+ring