1998+ Mercury Mariner 25HP Bigfoot Service Manual, Page 393Get this manual
LOWER UNIT
Shift Shaft Assembly
IMPORTANT: When installing shift shaft assembly into gear housing, DO NOT BOTTOM OUT SHAFT IN HOUSINGPull up on shift shaft until shift boot is not deformedIf shaft is bottomed out, cross pin in clutch dog will be bent by cam follower when tightening carrier screws95