1986 40 Mariner lower unit removal

I have a manual on the way but

I have a manual on the way but tryin to get a heads up on getting my lower unit off. I have it loose and can drop it about a 1/2 inch. From what i have read so far it seems the problem is my shifter rod is still hooked up. I see a couple nuts threaded in a opening in the front of the motor just above the lower unit. I have tried to loosen them but still get no movement further down. I also see at the top of the rod that the rod has a cotter pin that connects it. I am hopeing that with all the knowlage in here that some one can explain how to get my unit dropped.
My serial number is 40EL 6e9 L 426532 1986 mariner 40hp
Can anybody help me out?
Thanks
Willi

"if u loosen those two locknut

"if u loosen those two locknuts on the shifter rod down the bottom,then keep undoing the bottom one, that will unscrew off the bottom rod,allowing the lower unit to come free.you may have to put the gear lever in the forward position to lower the locknuts down for more access.reassembling is reverse order,but adjust those locknut so g/box and gear lever both synced"

Thank You for the reply. I wil

Thank You for the reply. I will try that

Willi

Kuntrywilli: Where did you get the manual from?

You have resurrected a very old post,but here's a link to Mariner manuals http://www.marineengine.com/manuals/seloc/mariner.html