on my 73 Merc 7.5 there was a front
nut and a rear nut on the lower leg..
once loosened I had to use a rubber
mallet to remove it, the driveshaft and
the shift shaft had rusted into the two
pieces that held them. Also seems like
I had to put it in forward gear for removal.
(I think) no longer have the motor or
the shop manual...