The inside of the bearing means nothing, use the dimensions that Mercruiser gives for the alignment tool, these dimensions will gave the proper clearances required by Merc. Just compare the dimensions on the post showung the tool to your tool, if it matches your good, if not return the tool for the proper one. You will not get precise inside dimensions of the gimbal bearing with calipers...you will need an ID micrometer or a dial bore gage.
Thanks Alumarine for the information
#1 is the seal installer. #2 is the gimbal bearing installer. The bolt through it goes through a hole that is drilled in the alignment shaft; usually something the purchaser has to drill themselves. #3 I cant see well enough to comment on other than I personally would be ot buy a two piece alignment shaft.
1 may be a driver for the semi useless grease seal in front of the gimbal bearing or a gimbal bearing driver. 2 is the driver for the gimbal bearing. Some tools require the purchaser to drill the alignment bar so the pin can hold it to drive in the gimbal- in my opinion this is BS, tool should be complete …
I just caught a video of someone explaining the bolt thru the driver, that does sound a bit half assy to me too having to drill a hole through the bar. The tool #3 is the one that I have received and which I returned because it was too thick and would not allow to slip thru the gimbal bearing. I returned it for another one thinking it may be an isolated case but the second one is the same just like the first one was, so I am debating sending it back too or have a machine shop make it right like you suggested.
