Re: force lower unit
Usually, on those Merc designed lower units, you remove the pinion by putting the correct socket on the pinion nut on a breaker bar. Pad the breaker bar with soft wood or cloths to prevent damaging the aluminum case. Then make a tool or if you can find an old Merc crankshaft, use it to turn the shaft and spin off the pinion nut.
Now, below the water pump there will be a screw-in collar similar to the one behind the prop but smaller. It locates the upper shaft bearing. Remove the water pump assembly and unscrew the collar. The shaft and bearing cone will slip right out. The bearing cup is upside down and will also come out. There are shims under the cone. DO NOT LOSE OR DAMAGE THEM! They are no longer available. There are loose rollers in the lower bearing so expect them to fall out into the gearcase. The pinion may be "locked" onto the taper and you may need to wedge it off before pulling the shaft.
That is the one thing I do not like about the Merc designed lower. While the gears are a bit "meatier" than earlier Force gears, gear teeth are cut in the opposite direction and gear thrust loads are transmitted upwards against the screw-in collar. Because the cone is upside down, the thin edge is the shimmed edge and it is easier to damage or incorrectly install the shims.
