Need to invade gear case to convert long shaft to short shaft?

[YellowJacket1956]

I have a Johnson 33 hp, model RXE-150, in a long shaft configuration. I know the topic of long- to short-shaft has been covered before, but the conversations center on replacement driveshaft and shortening the water tube. I understand the driveshaft replacement, and the parts diagram for this motor indicates my 5" case extension includes a short extension on the water tube that can simply be removed.
What I did not see in the earlier posts was any discussion of having to open up the gear case to disconnect the shift rod, to replace it with its shorter version. From the diagram, I don't see any way to avoid that disassembly, so I'd need to obtain a new spaghetti gasket, etc. Or am I missing something?
I have read the advice of selling the motor and obtaining a short shaft motor instead, as well as thoughts of stepping up the transom, but don't find either to be attractive options, especially for a vintage wood runabout.
The shorter driveshaft and shift rod appear to be the only mechanical parts needed to make the switch, along with any seals disturbed and, while I am there, a water pump kit.
Am open to correction if I am off base here.
Thanks,

 

[hardwater fisherman]

Yes I think you need to go inside the gearcase to switch out the shift rod. You can buy a complete seal kit here at Iboats for under 20 dollars. Sierra part number 18-2686. EDIT If you go ahead with the job the impeller for the water pump can be found here also Sierra part number 18-3006.

 

[F_R]

The model number indicates it left the factory as a short shaft, which means it has a long shaft conversion kit installed. If all that is true, then it will have a 5" longer shift rod connector and all you need to do is replace that with the standard short connector.

And...if all else fails, and it does have a long lower shift rod, you still don't have to replace it. Measure down exactly 5" from the present notch and use a chainsaw file to make a new notch. It doesn't have to go all the way around, just on one side where the screw passes by it. After filing the notch, take a hacksaw to the remaining portion of the shift rod.

BTW, check the price of that 5" longer connector. Then sell it on the bay.

 

[YellowJacket1956]

Thank you both for the prompt replies. The idea that this motor may in fact be a converted short shaft is very interesting, and could certainly simplify the task at hand. I guess I will just have to open it up to see what's what in this case.
Thanks also for the part numbers. I will need at least the water pump kit.