I TOOK A PART MY LOWER UNIT TO CHECK IT AND IT SEEMS THAT THE GEAR LASH IS NON ADJUSTABLE.DOES THE ENGINE TORQUE SET THE PRELOAD ON THE UPPER SHAFT BEARING, BECAUSE IT SEEMS THE LOWER BEARING DOES NOT HOLD THE SHAFT UP.
G'Day. The drive shaft preload is done by motor torque. When you turn the drive shaft by hand the gearbox feels rough. Lift the drive shaft when you turn it and it should feel OK.<br />There is adjustment for pinion height and forward gear. If you have not replaced any componants then re-assemble as before however if you have replaced bearings or gears you will need to adjust the clearances.Take Sloopys avice and get a manual. Use only Mercury Hi performance gear oil.