2003 Johnson ST 55 HP WRL 2 Stroke Commercial Service Manual, PN 5005483, Page 194Get this manual
GEARCASE ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY
Shift Housing, Gear, and Propeller Shaft Installation
Push shifter detent into farthest downward position Tip the rear of the gearcase slightly downward to assist in the installation of the shaft assemblyBe sure the thrust bearing and the thrust washer are properly positionedInsert the shaft assembly fully into the gearcase while aligning shift housing pin with hole in forward end of gearcase housing
Apply Gasket Sealing Compound to both sides of new shift rod cover gasketPosition the gasket on the gearcaseThread the shift rod into the shifter detent about four turnsCover gasket
COA3545
Move shift rod from side to side while pushing on the propeller shaft to ensure proper alignment of the bearing housing locator pin into the locator pin hole in the gearcaseApply Gasket Sealing Compound to the threads of the shift rod cover screwsInstall the screwsTorque the screws to 60 to 84 in Ibs(6.8 to 9.5 Nm)