Mercruiser manual #2 online or steering advice

[ajent]

Hi all. Long time lurker, hoping someone can help. I am trying to get an online copy of mercruiser manual #2, free or paid but can't find it anywhere.
The reason I want it is : I'm trying to figure out if my '74 gimble ring spline has a way to tighten it. It's old enough to not have the two clamping bolts, but the splined shaft seems to have a split in it and what looks to be the remains of a wedge or screw down the center of it. Does anyone know how these were supposed to be tightened down?

 

[kenny nunez]

The spline is split so that a 1/4” NPT pipe plug that screws into it with a Allen wrench to expand and grip the splines. The bottom line is you need to replace the gimbal ring.
After the drive and bell housing are removed cut the gimbal ring about 3” from the top center. There is a clamp bolt and nut inside the gimbal housing and the top of the ring can be removed. On the bottom remove the cotter pin and drive the large pin out. The new gimbal ring kit comes with instructions for reassembly. Meanwhile try to get a service manual.

 

[ajent]

Replacing the rotted out pipe plug is not on the "recommend" list?
I have a parts boat with an alpha one gen 1 that I could rob the ring and spline shaft from. That's the better way? That already has the square drive upgrade.