25 hp upper shift rod replace

[Prop Nut]

I recently aquired a 1993 25 hp model J25RETS. The upper shift rod is broken at the very bottom. About 3/8 of an inch is gone right where the plastic keeper goes. My question is do I have to remove the power head to replace it. Changed the oil in lower unit and it looked good and lower shifts good using only my fingers with intake screens removed.The coupling just won't tighten enough without the plastic bushing.

 

[racerone]

powerhead needs to come off.