Evinrude 225 ficht lower unit removal

[326firefighter]

Hi I have a 1999 ficht 225 and cannot seem to drop the lower unit.Im dropping it to replace the water impeller and have done it before on older outboards but this one is giving me a problem. I took all usual bolts off to drop it but it only came down a few inches.It seems the rod nearest the boat is holding it on(I believe). Like I said all bolts are removed. I have tried all combinations of reverse, drive, neutral,ect but no release of the unit. So how do you disconnect this thing thanks!