1978 Johnson 35HP Lower Unit onto a 1976 Evinrude 35HP. Possible with minimal mods?

[JohnnyMat]

Does anyone on here have John/Ev P/N's 319360 ('76) and 323262 ('78) in front of them to compare and let me know of any differences between the two drive shafts? Or does anyone at least have all the specs on both parts, to compare them?
Or the unicorn...both model long shaft lower units to compare side by side! lol

I'm trying to put a '78 lower unit on a '76 power head and need to figure out the part swap. Marine engines and others are only so much help. I am trying to see how different the two drive shafts really are. I don't have the original '76 lower unit because it was stolen off the boat.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Engine Models: both long shafts
1978 - 35EL78R
1976 - 35653G

 

[JohnnyMat]

This is what I was left with.

 

[racerone]

Different key for an impeller would give it a different part #

 

[JohnnyMat]

The two years do have different impeller keys / water pump kits and a few different O-rings on the impeller spacer. Other than that, I don't see anything in the parts lists that would affect fitment to the '76. Same forward and reverse gearing, same prop shaft, same pinion gear.
Hopefully it's just a matter of an O-Ring or two on the impeller spacer.
Someone has had to try this before... Anyone out there? lol