I have to replace the lower unit on my 2012 ProXS 250 and would like some input on the choices. Pinion gear in the factory one came apart. Then, I was offered a replacement for cheap and got just that. The forward gear (I think) in the second lower unit exploded through the case in about 4hrs of run time.
Would the Torque Master be a better choice than a replacement like the factory original?

Actually the original gear case that comes on a Pro XS is a torque master the the torque master has the built in torque tab in the skeg and has 1.25 inch 19 spline diameter prop shaft sport master and torque master has the same internals. A stock 3.0 litre has a 1.0 inch diameter 15 spline propshaft Would stick with a Torque Master. Sport master have the nose cone and are for lighter boats that run high in the water.....OPTI

You can get the 250 Pro XS with a standard (Verado Style) or the Torque Master lower unit. I ordered my 250 with the standard lower unit because I was breaking too many pinion gears on my prior engines with a Torque Master. Mercury has came out with a new prop hub that will soften the impact on the pinion on the Torque Master somewhat. It is a SSR hub. Keep in mind that if your engine is in warranty and you put a different lower unit on it , that could void your warranty.

X

you might go to scream and fly and ask some questions about it... they run lotsa coned torque masters on on tha big three liter motors with few failures.. they also stress tha case way more than tha normal folks with 30+ pitch props running way high outta tha water... jus research any answers ya get..... jmo.

BBC also (don weed)....

Bottom line for me is durability, as it is getting really old dealing with breakdowns on the water. I'm going to let Texas Outboards help make the final call but now I can go in with a little more knowledge.
Thanks for the replies
WD

Go with a Standard gear case.

Big Difference in hole shot and design.

I just ordered my new engine with a standard plus they make a plug kit for the front of the gear case on the standard so you do pick up so much trash.

Do not get the Silver lower unit.

You will be sorry if you fish around wood or like to fish shallow.

It picks up to much debris.

The Fleetmaster was a option on the 250 XS & 300 XS on a dual engine set up. The difference in a Gen 1 FleetM aster and TorqueMaster is the TorqueMaster has the built in torque tab on the skag and the FleetMaster does not.The internal are all the same 1.25 dia propshaft. Now if you want the Verado style gears the beefer gears you have to go to a Gen 2 ....OPTI

I bought the last Torque-master I got from: http://www.crowleymarine.com/p/848749/Mercury-Mariner-3-0L-Torquemaster-225-250HP-Pro-XS-2005-2012

There is no need to run a coned LU unless you have a HP hull that requires the lower to run at elevated heights and speeds above 85-88 +- MPH.

As already mentioned the TM and SM run the same parts inside the case. These lowers have beefed up gears and shaft and also have a different bearing carrier than a stock lowers.

no where does this suggest he needs a "coned" case!... simply tells that they STRESS a case way more than tha normal guy with few problems!.. might know tha right combination of parts/set up tolerances ta make it live.........

especially Chaz.

Sorry but thats the way I was reading it and if that's the way I was reading it, then others may have took it the same way. This guy simply wants opinions as to which one is the best.
No lower is going to withstand consistant "Stump-Knocking". You bend a shaft or a blade and keep running it, the lower will eventually fail. Torquemaster lowers as have previously been mentioned were built with better gears, bearing carrier, and a bigger shafts. It has also been documented that some of these bigger shafts were forged with inferrior metals which cause some to fail (comes from Scream and Fly and Fastbass sites). Mercury chose not to recall them all because they did not know which ones were effected but rather chose to replace as they failed.
I personnally run a coned TM and have for 4 years now. It is run at much higher rpms than a normal LU and only issue is you cannot run them full of fluid cause the pressure build up will cause seals to leak. An oz or so should be drained to allow for fluid expansion and pressure.

yours isn't a 3.0 which is a different animal all together.. i ran xr6 cases on all my 9 grand plus hot rods for years with only a coupla blow outs.. right parts and set up tolerances can and will make a difference.....

You are correct the motor listed below my current bass boat is a 2.5l I didnt realize, very observant of you. And you are correct that some older LUs were near bullet proof. Just as your 1st post here what on earth does that have to do with this guys question? I am not here to measure *** with you!

this is tha answer i suggested to his original question...

but you're right, some of these guys do beat on stuff way more than it can take over a period of time... something i forget in tha fishin' world.

jan: XR4/6 case are tha absolute weakest V6 case merc ever built but are also smallest, quickest shift-able..........