Re: Gimbal housing removal
deddinger, start a thread in the outboard forum to get help with your outboard id. etc. it keeps things less confusing.
another word on the pre-alpha talk. Each of mercruisers drives before the alpha drive had a specific name. MC-1, R, MR, 888, 898, TR TRS etc. you could refer to that whole group as "pre-alpha" but not in a repair help forum where specific drives, parts, characteristics etc is needed. Not all "pre-alpha" parts fit all of the drives made before alpha. lots do some don't.....that's why we are dedicated to kill the term "pre-alpha" .
also, chris650 is correct, about the bell housing name, instead of gimbal housing. In the adults only section towards the bottom of the main page you will see pictures and names of outdrive parts so you know what to call what, and get the best help.
the OEM manual link Chris gave you can be downloaded and printed if you like. I tend to have a copy on my computer, then print a page or two of instructions if I am going to work on a specific thing, say shift cable adjustment. the other manuals have been judged to be sometimes vague, sometimes misleading and sometimes actually wrong about info. they supply. (by people smarter than me, and way more experienced. also, there are service bulletins (changes) to torque settings, repair info. etc. that merc supplies and is included in the adults only section. these changes don't make it to printed books. hope this helps!