Removing 1976 55hp johnson gear case

[danray35e]

I inherited a 76 55hp johnson. It has not been run in 6 years. I drained the oil from the lower end, and water , and grey sludge came out first, then black oil on top of that. I figure I should open it up, and change seals etc, and clean. I have manual. It mentions removing shift rod retaining screw. It has a poor drawn picture of this, and I am not sure where it is.
Are there any other things I need to loosen aside from that, and the trim tab before trying to lower the unit away from upper unit?
It also mentions removing the starter. Is that really necessary?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Removing 1976 55hp johnson gear case

You disconnect the shift rod beneath the carb. That is why they say to remove the starter, to give you access to the screw. Im thinking I used a flex ratchet though, I dont remember having to pull my starter when I did mine. Was a couple years ago though, so I may have.

 

[danray35e]

Re: Removing 1976 55hp johnson gear case

Thanks that makes a little more sense.