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!