OK, I missed the part in your last message where you had the driveshaft and pinion installed again. I’m not sure on the roller bearing in the 35hp gearcase but I know on the RD-18 gearcase the pinion bearing race seats a little below the face of the opening, i.e. they are not flush like in your picture. Have you checked to see if the roller bearing in your case is fully seated in the housing? See picture from my RD-18. Your bearing is different than this but maybe it’s not fully seated?
Bob
1937 Champion D2C Deluxe Lite Twin
1954 Johnson CD-11
1955 Johnson QD-16
1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18
1957 Evinrude 3022
1958 Johnson QD-19
1958 Johnson FD-12
1959 Johnson QD-20
1982 Evinrude 25hp
“Every 20 minute job is only a broken bolt away from a 3-day project.”
"Every time you remove a broken or seized bolt an angel gets his wings."
