Trim tab question

[Gambler Bob]

When I changed mine years ago I disconnected the the trim tab from the actuator, then unscrewed the plate from the boat and the actuator dropped straight down,,, changed both in an hour..
Mine just started slipping on the internal gears and would hang up, took it apart and the gear sets were trashed.

I thought about doing it that way, definetly seemed easier, i just did not want to be screwing and unscrewing those screws to much fearing that the might strip out eventually.