Also, I’m not sure if you’ve taken that lower unit apart yet but there is likely the correct length shift rod already in that motor. I’m not sure when but OMC switched over to a 5 inch shift rod connector for the long shaft motors instead of two different shift shafts, which could mean all you need is the short shift rod connector which is a very easy part to find.. many motors made by OMC from the mid 50’s into early 70’s used that part.
A word of advice is to have patience when taking this lower unit apart, there is VERY little clearance to fit a screwdriver or socket onto the shift rod bolt when trying to drop the lower unit… I think I invented some new words the first time I took one apart.
