Shift rod.

[nickatnight]

Bought a new lower unit and when I removed the old unit, I forgot to remember which way the bend in the shaft goes. 89 120hp V4

 

[kevinj]

The bend faces forward. Also, you need to properly set the shift rod height. Put the gear case in the neutral then measure from the top of the lower unit to the middle of the shift rod hole. It's the surface on the lower unit that mates with the midsection. If your engine is a 20" shaft I believe 21-15/16" is the correct measurement and if it's a 25" shaft it is 26-15/16".

 

[nickatnight]

Thanks for the quick response. Much appreciated.