Shortshafting a 1976 Johnson 40

[109jb]

I have an opportunity to buy a longshaft 1976 Johnson 40, but what I need is a shortshaft. What is involved in converting one of these from longshaft to shortshaft?

Should I pass and just keep my eyes open until a shortshaft comes along?

 

[109jb]

Re: Shortshafting a 1976 Johnson 40

I've been looking at some online parts places and it looks to me like there is an extension housing sandwiched between the lower gearcase and the exhaust housing. Based on this, it looks to me like removing the extension housing, installing a shorter driveshaft, shortening the shift rod, and putting it back together, would be the necessary steps. Am I missing anything?? Also, does anyone know a good outboard salvage yard to buy a short driveshaft?

 

[109jb]

Re: Shortshafting a 1976 Johnson 40

I'm sure someone knows the answer. Please help me.

 

[109jb]

Re: Shortshafting a 1976 Johnson 40

Surely someone has shortshafted one of these motors before. PLEASE HELP ME.

 

[fiftiesoutboards]

Re: Shortshafting a 1976 Johnson 40

I'm in the process of shortening a 1960 Johnson 10 horse, and I'm pretty sure your job will entail the same steps.

Remove and replace the long driveshaft with a short (and do the pump impeller at the same time), shorten or replace the shift rod (unless you're lucky like I was and have a "long" shift connector, in which case you just find a short one), cut the water tube exactly five inches (usually at the top) and that should do it. My 10 also has a lower shaft tube, which keeps the exaust away from the shaft and the pump housing, and if yours does, you'll need to replace that with a short or modify it like I plan to do.

Don't forget to grease the top of the shaft and install the o-ring before installing.

Good luck, 50's

 

[109jb]

Re: Shortshafting a 1976 Johnson 40

Great. So it sounds like the only parts I'll have to scrounge are the short driveshaft and the short shift rod.