'89 4.3L Cobra (MED model)<br /><br />Took off the outdrive to replace shift cable. First time I've removed drive, but everything looks cool & straightforward so far.<br /><br />Before putting it all back together, thinking about removing the upper so I can check the height of the Shift Rod. I've read through the Service Manual, and looked at the Parts Manual, and it looks like I won't need to replace any gaskets or o-rings if I do this & put it back together. As a matter of fact, I can't even see that I'm supposed to put any sealer between the upper & lower casings.<br /><br />Although I'm pretty sure I've interpreted this correctly, it seems so counterintuitive that I wanted to double check with some of you that know for sure. <br /><br />I don't have the special OMC wrench, just a regular torque wrench & sockets. Is this another case where it's more important to tighten the bolts attaching upper to lower evenly and relatively close to specs, or is it more important to get torque to exact specs for this? <br /><br />Also, I don't have the equipment to pressure test if I split the upper & lower and put them back together. Given that, would I be better off:<br /><br />A) not removing upper from lower and trusting that shift rod is at proper height (and risking needing to go back if it's not & I have trouble adjusting shifting) <br /><br />OR <br /><br />B) taking off the upper, checking the shift rod height, and then carefully monitoring fluid levels for awhile after I put it back together?<br /><br />I know neither is ideal, but given time/ resources, thats pretty much where I'm at right now.<br /><br />Thanks for any feedback!
