i have to remove or at least loosen and move out of way, the big motor off the transom.  this is the only way to get to the trim motor, which needs replacing.  I have the shop manual so there are step by step directions but i was wondering if anyone had any words of wisdom, special advice, tips and tricks in this process.  Maybe tell me things you ran into when doing it yourself that surprised you, and so on.

I'll have all needed tools, motor hoists, etc available as well as a few extremely handy neighbors (airline mechanic, machinist for defense contractor) at my disposale.

btw: its a 75 mariner.

(where is Ben when you need him?)

i replaced a trim motor on a 50hp evinrude acouple years ago...i don't remember having any problems..i needed to loosen the bolts on the motor but did not have to remove it...

Make sure your engine has the lifting ring on it, if not you'll have to purchase one.  First undo all cabling, gas lines and battery lines, undo steering mechanism, attach hoist to lifting ring on top of motor and jack it up untill there's just tension on it. Now undo the 4 engine transom bolts.  You may have to pop them back throught the transom with a mallet or hammer.  Now jack the engine slightly pulling it away from the transom and shifting it to the left side of the boat so the steering mech slides out of the tubes.  You may or may not have to pop the steering cables with the mallet to get them through the engine if they're bound up.  Then you're done.