Rusty - I got the lower mid sec mount off finally after a lot of heating, tapping with a block of wood on the big nut and prying - I don't think I damaged anything. I took the tiller tube out - next I will get at those bushings. I think the upper bushing is bad. On that issue of up and down play being normal or nexessary - Mine has quite a bit - maybe 1/4 in. I can put another washer or 2 in there to get most of that out. Wondering why up and down play is necessary. THANKS