Mercruiser 120/140 Lower Unit work on 5.7L 898 drive?

[slow_boy]

I have a 5.7L with a Mercruiser 898/228/260 pre-alpha drive and I have aquired a Mercruiser 120/140 drive. I would like to swap the lower units and I was wondering if there is any difference in the lower units. I can see that the housing is the same, but is there any chance that there is any difference in the gears?Thanks !!

[boanut]

look on the case for the ratio. the gear ratio wont be the same

[Laddies]

The lower units on the 1975 and up, 120 to 260 were the same but the 260s trashed the gears out, so if the unit that you want to exchange has a spring pin in the drive shaft you needed one that has the new style gear set. Some were marked with a X under the trim tab, others had a O on the end of the prop shaft, Your best bet is really a Alpha I---Bob

[Bond-o]

I would like to swap the lower units and I was wondering if there is any difference in the lower units.

They Should be the same...........Gear ratios are changed in the Upper,.... All the lowers are 1.65/1.........Laddies's has a point about the Alpha being a wee bit Stronger,+ it's a direct interchange.....

[slow_boy]

hmm, well I dont' have an alpha on hand. Thank you for the info