Lower unit on 1998 Vindicator 200hp won't come off

[red221]

I am trying to remove the lower unit from my 1998 200hp vindicator and am baffeled. I put the unit into
reverse, removed the 5 bolts that are on the underside of the cavitation plate and removed the shift screw at the base of the motor. The unit drops down about 3 inches and won't go any further. I have a shop manual and followed the steps. Granted,,,, the unit would not fully engage into reverse before this exercise. This along with bad seals is the reason for the work. Thought I'd try it myself.
What am I missing from the equation ???

[RUSTY63]

Remove the port motor pan, the shift rod is stuck in the lower pan seal.

Welcome to the Boards.

[RUSTY63]

There should be 6 bolts, 2 on each side=4, and 2 under the back of the cav plate.

[red221]

Correction noted - I actually did remove all six.... The top of the shift rod appears to be the stopping point. Funny,,, why did they omit that part of the procedure.... BTW Thanks . ya'll are lifesavers.

[RUSTY63]

Most times a swift pull will free it but its safer to remove the port pan, that also makes getting the shift rod bolt back in easier.