Tip for reinstalling outdrive lower solo

[CaptnKingfisher]

TLDR: Use a zip tie

I position the lower unit under the upper housing, crouch low and raise it into position while wiggling slightly port and starboard. Once I got it within a couple inches of the upper housing, I supported most the weight with my thigh (crouch low) and with one hand holding balance on the lower, I used my other hand to insert a heavy duty zip tie through one of the bolt holes on both the lower and the upper and tightened the zip tie to support the weight of the lower.

The rest is easy, keep wiggling and pushing upward while incrementally tightening the zip tie. Once youre able, get a bolt and a nut on another hole and use nuts and bolts to snug everything up.

I surprised myself with a new personal best last night, got the lower on in one try by myself in less than five minutes on an alpha one gen ii. I am quite proud at the moment. Hope this helps someone out there, I know this will be my method from now on

 

[Georgian blues]

Thank you.ill see if I can use this hack when I go to reinstall mine

 

[Grub54891]

Glad that worked for you. But when ever I'm servicing the unit, I remove the entire drive and inspect the bellows, gimble, u-joints ect.... The unit is on a stand and just set the top down on to the lower. For me it's easier to do the complete service.

 

[poconojoe]

Innovated idea!
Sometimes, when you're by yourself, you have to improvise.

I too have only pulled the drive as a whole, as @Grub54891 stated. I made a wooden stand that I sit the whole thing on. When I use the stand, I'll put a moving dolly under it to roll the whole thing around.
There are also specific drive jacks you can buy or fabricate yourself.

 

[CaptnKingfisher]

Thanks guys, I'll look into building one down the road. Makes sense to do that and have a chance at inspecting other components