Lower shift rod came out of gear shift arm...re-assemble?

[lytemup81]

Hello! While changing the impeller on my 1989 Force 50, I somehow must have spun the gear shift arm enough for it to come out of the nut in the gear shift arm/coupling (the rod comes right out of the lower unit). I've tried to simply spin it back in, but that nut must have rotated away or something? How do I go about getting this re-threaded? Patience and turning ...or do I have to somehow separate the upper and lower have of the lower unit?
Thanks for any help/advice!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Yup, disassemble the lower and screw it back in.
Find a parts diagram and use that for a reference, take pics as
you proceed.
You might find using assembly grease will help hold the pieces
together while you assemble.

 

[lytemup81]

Ok thank you for the reply! Would this assembly always require a new seal kit, or if currently solid with clean oil should it be ok?

 

[jerryjerry05]

No new seals needed.
Just use sealer when needed?

 

[lytemup81]

It seems a special puller is needed for the bearing cage. The puller is no longer available. Any other tips or tools to get this out? Looks like maybe a crankshaft damper puller kit might work?

 

[lytemup81]

It seems a special puller is needed for the bearing cage. The puller is no longer available. Any other tips or tools to get this out? Looks like maybe a crankshaft damper puller kit might work?

Never mind, made one!