1963 johnson compatibility question

[Pleasetow2ramp]

I have a 1963 super sea horse 40hp model rd 25 and It wont go forward. It ran fine when I got it but then it started knocking. I put a new clutch dog in it and went out and it seemed to be fixed however it broke again shortly after being out on the lake. I took it apart and the shift cradle had fallen apart, Ive put it back together several times trying and it still wont work.always the same, neutral in forward and reverse works fine. the forward gear itself looks fine, its probably me screwing something easy up. Local mechanic wont touch it, told me to get a new lower unit....

Im debating doing that, or just selling it as a "parts motor". When looking at potential replacement lowers however its hard to tell if ones ive looked at are compatible or not.
would this one work?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/183318684581?ViewItem=&item=183318684581

 

[F_R]

Yeah, that one will work, but may require a different water return tube.

 

[lindy46]

Are the shift rods tight in the coupler? Shifting into forward pulls the rods up, and I've seen them where the rod pulls out of the coupler and the motor remains in neutral. Shifting to reverse works fine as reverse pushes down on the shift rods.