small "hydraulic" rams on pre alpha

[ssmith32256]

I have a 1968 Mercruser I/O 120 with a prealpha stern drive. I have 2 Hydraulic cylinders that have lines (one per cylinder) connected to the gimbal housing. It also has 2 smaller "cylinders" (about 7-8 Inches)which look to be hydraulic but have no lines running to them at all. They connect to the gimbal ring on one end and to the upper unit of the sterndrive on the other. Can somebody tell me what these are for and what they are called ?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: small "hydraulic" rams on pre alpha

I believe they operate as shock absorbers

 

[ssmith32256]

Re: small "hydraulic" rams on pre alpha

Bt Doctur,

I'm inclined to agree my concern is 2 fold. First, the starboard side mount on the gimbal ring is broken Secondly, I recently picked up a newer 1982 (still pre alpha) outdrive and it doesn't have the mounts cast into the upper unit for them to attach to. I guess what i'm wondering is can i do without them ?