Could use some advice-need to replace my lower unit..

[98toon]

Hey guys,
I have a '98 johnson venom and need to replace the lower unit...i bought a spare several years ago (in case this happened)..I've always taken the boat to my local mechanic to replace the water pump etc.. so i never taken the lower unit off myself. I know there are 4 bolts that i can see and i believe ther may be a bolt under the skeg...but what about the shift linkage-i'm really fuzzy in that area..Any advice would save me some $$$$...thanks.

[RUSTY63]

There are 6 bolts, the 4 you can see and the 2 under the cav plate, 1 is hiding under the torque tab, remove the port motor pan and you can get to the shift linkage, its below the carbs.

[98toon]

Rusty,
Thanks-