I have been reading a lot of the threads here and have been checking stuff on my boat. Have found that there is enough side-to-side play (2 ??) in my steering that I have concluded that the gimbal ring needs to be replaced, maybe the steering arm, but don?t think so. Anyway doesn?t make much difference got to pull it apart anyway. Have read the manuals and understand pretty well what is involved, except I have a questions about the upper bushings. There is a grease fitting on the upper gimbal housing (Alpha 1, 1987 sn# 8684288). The ring feels solid with no discernible fore and aft or up and down play. Should I just replace the upper bushing oil seal and not worry about the bearings (bushings)? Second question, I know Don does not like the plastic plugs, and neither do I, but don?t have much choice, so will have to use them. What I plan is when it comes time to put em in, I will epoxy them in place with JB Weld. If I have to get in there again, I?ll just drill em out. Sound OK? Thanks for all of the great info & advice.