The excesive play isn't caused the clutch that you are sliding. Are both thrust washers in place on the reverse gear side? There should be one one both sides of the gear, a larger one and smaller one
Thanks for the reply guys. The manual calls for a 1 thrust ring #19 1 O ring #21 and the tab washer #27 all there. There were no shims in there when I took it apart. I was looking around E-Bay for lower units and they look pretty inexpensive. I might just pop one on as it may end up being cheaper and faster than getting in deep. Any thoughts? It's a 1988 Alpha One #OC301949 gear ratio is 84-1 (not sure is that matters because thats the upper) The stamp in the cavity where the trim tab screw is 1623-8950. As long as the anti-cavitation plate is the same can I just bolt it up? It's part of twin 4.3 mercruisers. Both are right hand rotation.