Johnson V-4 Lower Unit swap

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bchrader

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I have a 1976 Johnson V-4, 135hp - mech. shift motor. In need of a lower unit. Found one from a V-4, 115... I know the cases much, but have heard the gears are different. Will this work? What will I gain or lose?
 
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Dhadley

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Re: Johnson V-4 Lower Unit swap

Welcome!!<br /><br />Yours will match any V4 lower from 1973 to 1976. Also a 20" 115 or 85 from 1977 but not the 1977 140.
 
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bchrader

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Re: Johnson V-4 Lower Unit swap

Thanks for the quick response.<br /><br />If I am not sure of the year of the 115,can I go by the matching of shaft diameter and spline count? I do know that both are 20".
 
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bchrader

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Re: Johnson V-4 Lower Unit swap

One more thing... This unit is priced at $250. Is that a pretty fair deal?
 
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Dhadley

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Re: Johnson V-4 Lower Unit swap

Thats an extremly fair price. The d/shafts have the same splines. The overall size of the gearcase is different therefore the bolt pattern is different. <br /><br />Are the shift shafts the same?
 
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bchrader

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Re: Johnson V-4 Lower Unit swap

You said the overall size of the gearcase is different... so I assume if the gear case matches I'm good to go?<br /><br />I will have to check on the shift shaft.
 
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Dhadley

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16,978
Re: Johnson V-4 Lower Unit swap

Yes, the later ones were longer slightly. Yours should have a barrel deal that screws on the top of your shift shaft. If the other one has a solid curved end it will not work. <br /><br />However, if the replacement unit has a screw on end on the shift shaft it might be from a 1977 and still be too long (end to end). IE -- if the shift shaft on the replacement is soild, its wrong. If it had the barrel, it MIGHT be right.
 
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bchrader

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Re: Johnson V-4 Lower Unit swap

Thanks Dhadley,<br /><br />I went ahead and picked up the unit yesterday... everything appears to be a match. I'll find out Saturday when I run it.
 
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