2001 Mercury Mariner 50-60HP Factory Service Manual, Page 505Get this manual
BIGFOOT GEAR HOUSING
DETERMINING FORWARD GEAR BACKLASH NOTE: Read entire procedure before attempting any change in shim thickness1Obtain correct pinion gear depth; refer to "Determining Pinion Gear Depth," preceding2Install Bearing Preload Tool (91-14311A2) on drive shaft; refer to "Determining Pinion Gear Depth," preceding3Install components as shown4While holding the driveshaft, torque the puller bolt to 45 lb-in5Rotate driveshaft 5-10 revolutionsThis should properly seat the forward gear tapered roller bearingRepeat step 453936