Re: 1985 70 Johnson Lower unit removal
Below and slightly behind the bottom carburetor the shift rod comes through and attaches to the linkage. You need to loosen one screw and the rod will slide down with the lower unit out of the linkage. It's a little tough to see, look for it from the side of the motor below and slightly to the front of the starter motor. If you remove the electric starter, which is fast and east to do, it makes it easier to get at the linkage and screw you need to loosen. When you re-install the lower unit you have to watch / align this rod as you slowly slide the lower unit in place, at the same time guiding the water tube and exhaust housing in place from below. Go very slowly and work all 3 pieces together, and it's not as bad as it sounds. Put the bolts in and torque up the lower unit before you tighten the screw on the shift rod. Good luck!
