Re: 1972 65 hp lower unit
There are four visible, 9/16ths inch bolts - two on the port side and two on the starboard side. There is also a visible, 5/8ths inch bolt under the cavitation plate, and 1/2 inch bolt underneath the trim tab - you will have to remove the trim tab to get at this one.
There is a specific procedure for removing the '72 J65 gearcase, so I recommend getting an OEM service manual, if you don't have one.
TD has offered very good advice with respect to the shift wires that are located in the exhaust housing. These wires are prone to becoming brittle over the years, and will usually break if you allow the gearcase to drop to a point where stress is put on them. As TD pointed out, these are a NLA item, and they are not just run-of-the-mill wires - they are encased in a rubber sheath that is about 3/8ths of an inch in diameter, and has knob like ends. I have heard of people successfully making their own shift wires for the midsection of the hydro-electric motors, but there is no doubt that breaking the original wires quickly becomes a headache.
