Took me about 3 hours taking my time. As far as special tools, you'll need to make some sort of stand for the drive, and a 30mm socket. Once the top cover was removed (4 bolts) I loosened the left hand nut while the drive was still on the boat with the help of a breaker bar and buddy bracing the prop. Pulled the drive and put it on the stand and removed the shift mechanism (4bolts). Then loosen but don't remove the 4 bolts holding the pinion carrier. You only need to slide it back about 1/4" so you can lift out the upper (reverse) gearset. Once you lift out the upper gear set you'll be looking at the cone and forward gear set. Remove the cone and I lightly sanded the forward gearcup to remove the glazing that was present. There's a bulletin that calls for removal of the spring, washer and clip under the cone. You'll need special tools to do this, so I left mine installed as is. Put ' er all back together with a new cone and shift shoe, and make sure you keep track of the shims. I then pressure tested, filled with outdrive oil and you're done. Overall degree of difficulty 4/10