1998 9.9 4 stroke Mercury

[glwenum]

I just purchased a 98 9.9 4 stroke kicker motor that is in fantastic shape. The guy I bought it from purchased it new and had a shaft extension kit put on it. He gave me the original shift rod, shaft and water pump tube as well as the original seals.

Currently the shaft is too long for our boat so we would like to convert it back to the short shaft. I have replaced water pumps on Mercurys in the past, but I have never messed with replacing the shaft. Is there anything I should be aware of before I tear into this? Is it something I should stay away from or should I hire a professional? Or should I leave it as is and raise the motor on the transom?

Looking for advice and possibly a parts schematic.

Thanks!

Gordy

[boats.net]

It requires disassembling gearcase and replacing drive shaft, removing engine from mid section to replace shift rod and water tube. The bearing carrier in gearcase can sometimes be difficult to get out depending on how corroded it is but if you can get it out the rest is easy.

[glwenum]

Do I get to the gear case through the impeller housing?

Thanks!

GW

[boats.net]

gearcase is the lower unit assemble, drive shaft connects pinion gear.