short shaft to long shaft question

[motorrookie]

I have a 79 35hp evinrude short shaft model # 35902A and I can pickup a 76 35hp johnson long shaft not sure of the model number.
can and how hard is it to change the 76 long shaft (exhaust housing) to the 79 motor.
thanks brian

 

[bill_w]

if you are mechanically adept, it's that that big a job.

 

[phillnjack]

Very easy to do.you only want to transfer the powerhead over to the longshaft midsection.first of all take off the gearbox, this is so the powerhead fits on easy without the shaft to worry about.then simply undo the bolts that hold power head to midsection.now do make sure you have a new gasket before even thinking about putting it on the other mid section.while its off give everything a real nice clean up and get rid of all salt or dirt from the section.then simply put the powerhead on and bolt it all up. then put the gearbox back on and job done.should take about 4 hours in total including cleaning it all up.can be done faster if you get used to doing them. hope this helps