2006 Merc 115 4 Stroke Water Tube

[Nine]

Hi. I am changing my XL shaft to L shaft. Got all parts needed...I thot. When I dropped the lower unit I noticed the water tube & thot it probably needs to be shorter. I checked the parts list and yes there is a different water tube for XL and L. Question is how does that water tube come out and can I just shorten it 5" ? Thanks in advance.

[boats.net]

Will have to remove engine and oil pan to replace water tube, need to replace shift shaft as well.

[Nine]

Can I just cut 5" off the bottom of the existing water tube?