yamaha trim tilt help please

[beerbelly]

outboard is a 1998 Yamaha 130 v4 2 stroke
the big trim ram in the middle weeps and has a small pit in the ram causing it so I thought id drop the assembly out and get it repaired.
but I removed the six bolts 3 eithers side ,the 2 bolts that have a round nut affair just inside the saddle 1 either side the earth wire underneath and the spindle retained by a circlip through the top of the tilt ram to outboard saddle. now the whole lot moves about freely in between the saddle sides but just wont come out like its too wide .surely I don't have to remove the whole outboard and remove one side of the saddle do I .has anyone done this before is it possible to strip and replace the ram seals while its in situe??

[breezeblock]

would you get away with removing the rod and gland and hinging the outboard right up to take it out

[beerbelly]

if you mean do it without removing it from the boat id like to think its possible as its looking like a lot of chew removing it to the workbench .when the outboards on the safety stops I don't think there's clearance to remove the rod but it lifts a few inches higher at the prop end but weather that will give enough room at the hinge end I'm not sure. its already disconnected at the top from the outboard

[beerbelly]

done a bit of internet searching and it appears you have to unbolt one side clamp from the transom and loosen it enough from the outboard so you can spread the clamps enough to get the trim tilt unit out.

[Davie]

If you want it "on the bench" you will need to separate the transom mounts. Drain the oil tank and tilt it until it goes top heavy. Put a pillow where the powerhead will touch the boat. You will have plenty room get centre piston out.