Alignment bar substitution?

[Josh in Pa]

I am putting a 350 back into my boat. The alignment bar is about $120 at the local mercruiser dealer. I have an old outdrive, with a good shaft on it. Can I take it apart at the universal and use this shaft to align the motor? Or is there something special about the alignment bar? I've never put a motor in a boat, so any tips on getting it aligned would be appreciated. Thanks for any help,
Josh

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alignment bar substitution?

Ayuh,...

Those Alignment Tools can be found on ebay for less than 1/2 that amount,...
And,...
There is No substitution for the Right Tool...

An old input shaft will Barely get you Close.....It's diameter is too small to be useful....