How much play should the vertical shaft in a standard Bravo 1 lower have? I bought 2 (Rebuilt) lowers from 2 different places and I can pull the vertical shaft up nearly 1/4" on both of them. This changes the lash in the gears.....I did not think that anything in the upper gearcase held pressure down on the shaft. Is that normal. Another friend of mine had one rebuilt and you can't move his at all. And of course I am getting the "thats normal" from who I bought the lower from.

Help!!! I am trying to figure out whether or not to run these things this weekend...

When the drive is bolted together the upper clamps a retainer that locates the upper bearing. You can't check it without the special tool that simulates the upper.