Mercruiser alpha 1 stuck

[105mich]

So I'm removing my mercruiser alpha one lower off an 89' century and it comes about an inch separated but then gets stuck on something near the top. Gear was shifted into reverse because I have LH but apparently it's in neutral cause prop spins freely both ways, something most likely broke. I can't get it back in our pull it out further, any suggestions as to how to get the f****** thing out?

 

[Bondo]

Gear was shifted into reverse because I have LH

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... Lay on yer back, 'n look up at the shift shoe/ shift foot,....

Are they aligned straight with the keel line,..??

If not, move the shifter so they are,...

 

[Bt Doctur]

If your just dropping the lower unit it dosent matter what gear your in. If this is an Alpha 1 with the brass shoe make sure its clear on the upper shoe. If this is a Alpha 1 GEN II drive it must be in fwd in a straight line or Rev if counter rotating in a straight line.
Forcing it down will remove the shift shaft and you really dont want that to happen

 

[105mich]

Update, I got it out, was stuck on rusty gimbal