Re: Lower unit/ shift linkage
I just did my water pump on a 1995 88 SPL.
Hardest part was removing the lower unit, the shift linkage will get hung up if you do not disconnect it properly.
Shift into forward than pull the pin on the shift linkage, push it in to disengage rod. For good measure grab the shift rob with needle nose pliers just below the powerhead where you can see the rod come out of the powerhead before it goes into the midsection. Pull the rod toward you and you will feel it free up from the shift linkage.
Spray some PB blaster on the bolts for lower unit and let them sit a day or two. They shouldnt be that stuck.
Buy the whole water pump kit not just the impellor and follow the step by step that comes with the kit.
No big thing, just be sure the cam engages the new water pump when you push it back on the drive shaft.
Best of luck.