Most of us install the cable completely so that dosent happen and then make the final adjustment. Have someone hold everything in place so the lower shoe is straight. now install the black sleeve and lock the core down, with control box in full fwd, install and adjust cable to fit. test to make...
With an Alpha1 type the lower seal keeps water out, the upper seal keeps the oil in. You must disassemble the upper, remove the vert gear and shaft ,then drive it out from the bottom up.New seal is driven in from the top down with the lip facing up
grease should never be used on rubber, dishwashing soap or K-Y
that shaft is connected to your engine, tap the key to move the shaft. but it not really necessary. with lube you can rotate the impeller to where you need it