I am replacing the lower unit on my 97/ 225 mairner. I know you need to make sure the shifter is in the same position as the lower unit when you install, are there any other things that I should make sure I do or REALLY pay close attention to??? and and all help/advise is appreiciated!!

If your installing by your self, it helps to use a metal folding chair to help support it when you get it up to the mainshaft splines. Using the trim, lower till skeg touch`s. Pull kill switch, Then you can rotate the flywheel so splines line up if lower in neutral. I normally place in reverse before removing lower so I can turn the prop shaft to align main shaft.

I have built a sawhorse with a "V" noched out to support the lower while I get the PITOT tube and bolts in. How DO i verify what position the lower unit is in before installing???. I have heard horror stories that if the coupling of the lower unit and engine shift rod are off by ONE TOOTH you can go into gear too fast. My biggest concern is installing the lower unit on to the engine out of "SYNC" (the old lower is already off so i cannot do an "airforce blueprint")

In this case it is best to install with control and lower in neutral, turn flywheel to line up main shaft splines. Check shifting with first bolt tightened.