Thread: Ranger 373v Restore Project

Got to tell you guys that although I had zero experience messing with a Johnson lower unit, I have now become an expert on installing one. The bolt for the shifter linkage caused cramps in my side, a crick in my neck and a vial hatred of bifocals! Thanks to ckcg4's guidance, I was able to "gitter done". I pulled the lower unit back off, then on the lower unit I removed, pushed down on the shifter rod on it until it bottomed out. I then measured the distance to the center of the bolt hole. I adjusted the shifter rod on the good lower unit to the same measurement making sure it too was down as far as it would go. Stabbed the unit back in, stuck one bolt to pull it snug then with a little wiggling, I was able to start that danged linkage bolt. Let me tell you guys, I spent at least 9 hours alone tediously trying to get that bolt in. I reckon I have at least about 16 hours in it. Would have taken someone knowing what they're doing maybe 2 at the most.I checked the control at R-N-D and everything checked out. No spin on the prop when in gear, spin free in neutral. YES! I buttoned up the lower unit, remounted the lower carb, cleaned and installed the cover. She is now ready to test run once I get the tanks, filler necks and hoses cleaned up. The skeg on this lower unit is bent a bit, but I've used worse.

Tune in tomorrow, same boat time, same boat channel!

Speaking of your lower unit , I changed the oil in the lower unit on my boat one time and came back in the house . So the little wife ask's me what ya been doing and I guess I got confused about what I was working on and I told her that I had changed my rear end grease . Boy she still reminds me of that slip of the tongue .

Originally Posted by ckcg4

Speaking of your lower unit , I changed the oil in the lower unit on my boat one time and came back in the house . So the little wife ask's me what ya been doing and I guess I got confused about what I was working on and I told her that I had changed my rear end grease . Boy she still reminds me of that slip of the tongue .

Sometimes that what ya gotta change ya rear end grease! Lol

Craig, you tha man! Good thing I don't still live in the Tulsa area. I would be in your pocket every night that you work on this, trying to learn.

I used to really enjoy a good PROJECT. Age has changed things a little it. Now, I just want it to work when I want to use it.

Hope everything coming along as you expected!

Craig, we need some updates and pictures........wondering how the "project" is going?

I know, I have lots O pics and finished clear coating today. I've made at least three trips to TC's Boat Parts Emporium and there's not much left to be ravaged off his old 395v. His seats were in extremely decent shape and are getting ready to be cleaned as good as possible and installed. His steering wheel was better (made in Italy) along with his front electrical panel inset. I've modified the face of that to accept newer switches and have redone the console dash the same way. His teleflex cables were easy to move so I cabbaged them as well but they are 1' longer. I bet I can make them work if in a crunch.

I am busy tomorrow but begining Saturday morning, I start with the seats and begin rigging it which includes a Marine Stereo I bought almost three years ago to put on the bike but never did. Trying to find room for four speakers that were evenly spaced was not fun and was forced to stick all four at the consoles, two on each. Added extra switches for future usage, repaired open/close for livewell valves, replaced one bad aerator, stole the control stick off the control that I got when I bought the motor for the lower unit, pulled and cleaned both fuel tanks and replaced fuel lines with new lines along with new squeeze bulb. I don't plan on doing anything about the carpet for now due to funds. I already had several of the items I've used laying on a shelf or in a cabinet so in Reaper fashion, this thing has been done on a shoestring thanks to TC. Hopefully next week I'll be able to post some pics.

Thanks for the update Reaper

Come on Craig I've been waiting on some pics of your progress. Keep us informed.