First off, the motor is an 03 225ho, Model E225FHLSTA, Ser. #05018030

Back in Nov. of 05 I wacked a floating log on the Hudson during a tx. which broke a blade off the prop and bent the prop shaft. The insurance co. took care of everything less my $250 deductable which was a rebuilt lower unit.

The summer of 06 I ran the boat pretty much every weekend from April to Nov.(winter sucks). Changed the oil twice through out the year and again when I put her away this past fall,(did I mention winter sucks) oil was normal everytime.

This year started out fine until 2 weeks ago, without any warning I got a bad vibration everytime I put it in gear. Drained the oil, and its loaded up with metal. I don`t have a clue what happened, just that it ain`t good. Haven`t touched anything with the prop that I know of, it looks just like the day it came out of the box.

Called the mechanic that rebuilt it and he can`t look at the boat for three weeks, to busy. So not wanting to have another rebuilt gear case, I started shopping around for a new one which I knew was going to be expensive but I had know idea. Ended up getting a good deal on a new Lightning gear case off an 07 ETEC that had a jet drive put on it from Emberlins.

Everyone I talked to said this thing will bolt up with no problem. Even called C+O and they gave me a thumbs up, was hopin to talk to Rusty but things sounded pretty busy there.

My question is, are there any hidden surprises I should know about when I go to put this thing together? Already have the old one off, just waitin for the new one to get here. Thanks, Mike