2006 F150, noisy in and out of gear

[justicedealt]

So, my engine is noisy going from N to F and N to R. Not grinding, you have to be deliberate in your shifts... I mean, it "bumps" in. Not an issue going back to N. Heard this was common? Just curious, other than this issue, the engine is a stud.

 

[ClassicAQ]

What you're describing sounds normal. If the sound were like a big thud, like you dropped something heavy on the ground, then this would be concerning. Shifting an outboard into gear is not smooth or soundless like an automobile. A bump is ok. But just for the heck of if, check your lower unit oil. If it's milky white you've got problems. If it's brown color you're all good.