"Ted, well, it is both complic
"Ted, well, it is both complicated and simple, and requires an explanation.
True, most all AQ series lower units will swap with the Intermediate housing, the only change being that of short vertical shaft (C and later) vs long vertical shaft...... difference being the vertical shaft spline coupler length.
Be sure to carry over the original vertical shaft tapered roller
bearing race, and
MOST IMPORTANTLY, shim as per specs.
This is a Negative Preload and is critical, as this controls and maintains drive gear/driven gear contact. Very important to shim this correctly! (The angular contact bearing directly beneath it will not take the load by itself!)
As for the Intermediate and transmission interchange.....; if staying with the same "Driven Gear" bearing/retainer diameter (there are 3 sizes), yes....... again, with the correct shimming (a positive preload) they can be swapped.
Difference being the helmet pin style, shift mechanism cover and the spline count of the female drive shaft yoke.
The C transmission, for example, will use the larger diameter driven gear bearing/retainer......., thus the bore in the Intermediate will be too large for an SP A or 275 A or a 270/280/285/290 transmission, etc.
NOTE: some call the C, D, E drive a 290 or a large pin 290. These are not a 290!
As for the Main Suspension Fork/Intermediate Housing interchangeability...... I have good reason to believe that some will interchange, although I have not had the need to do so.
Carefully press the pivot tube out and give it a try. If the suspension fork mates, then there's your answer. (I should know this)
Bottom line, and since I may not fully understand what you are mix/matching, just watch for the transmission driven gear bearing/retainer diameter differences, and you should be OK.
There is a very simple shimming procedure that actually works better than what the work shop manual procedure explains. Let me know if you need help.
NOTE: the C and later drive does away with the Reverse Latch unit and the SS anchorage/bracket......., the cylinders now attach directly to the suspension fork!
This is a better choice if that is an option for you! The shield, however, is not the same!
Ah.... the beauty of the AQ series.
What a shot in the foot for Volvo when they went to the SX and/or DP S style drive....
IMO!
No Gimbal style suspension
No Gimbal Bell
No Gimbal bearing
Easy drive bellows replacement
No annual engine coupler alignment
No thru prop exhaust
Better steering geometry
Larger foot print against the hull's transom
.....and the list goes on!
Oh well!
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