Paul If you would like to see pictures of how I solved my shaft alignment problems go to _http://groups.msn.com/TrawlerMV/pictures_ (http://groups.msn.com/TrawlerMV/pictures) . The name of the boat is Memphis Belle, the steps I used start at the bottom of the third page of my pictures. After I got the proper shaft alignment I fabricated a bearing block into the hull so the shaft would remain lined up when the V- drive or in your case the transmission was removed. Paul Brannon wrote: >After all of the conversations regarding dripless shaft seals, cutless >bearings, and engine alignment I disconnected the shaft from my starboard >transmission to correct a problem with a seal leaking. I noticed that when I >disconnected the flange that the shaft could drop a ways (maybe a half inch?). >There was lots of play in the stern tube. Is this normal? If so, how would >one check alignment with all of this play in the shaft? I may be hauling out >for bottom paint and want to make any corrections while it is out. > >Thank you,