Answer
Apr 15, 2026 - 08:01 AM
Yeah kinda, but not as simple as just swapping the lower unit.
On those Tohatsu setups:
- the long shaft usually has that ~5" extension housing between the midsection and lower unit
- so the driveshaft, shift shaft, and water tube are all longer too
So if you try to bolt on a short shaft lower unit directly, it won’t line up properly. What you’d normally have to do:
- remove that extension housing
- swap to the correct length driveshaft (short shaft)
- sometimes change the shift shaft or linkage depending on model
So yeah, it can be converted, but it’s more of a shaft/midsection conversion, not just a lower unit swap. If you just bolt a short lower on a long setup, it’s not gonna work right.
If you want to do it properly, the service manual will show the lower unit removal and shaft setup, so you can see how everything stacks together.
Perhaps you can tell us your exact model (HP and year), we'll be happy to assist you further 👍
