{"product_id":"shift-lever-bushing-kit-fits-mercruiser-r-mr-alpha-i-replaces-45518t1-64518k-45518t-21144","title":"Shift Lever \u0026 Bushing Kit – Fits MerCruiser R MR Alpha I (Replaces 45518T1, 64518K, 45518T, 21144)","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .ss-table-wrap { overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch; }\n  table.ss-table { width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; min-width:640px; }\n  table.ss-table th, table.ss-table td {\n    padding:10px 12px; border:1px solid #e5e7eb; text-align:left; vertical-align:top;\n  }\n  table.ss-table th {\n    white-space:nowrap;\n    word-break:normal;\n    letter-spacing:normal;\n    font-weight:600;\n    background:#f8fafc;\n  }\n  @media (max-width:480px){\n    table.ss-table th, table.ss-table td { padding:8px 10px; font-size:14px; }\n  }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eShift Lever \u0026amp; Bushing Kit\u003c\/strong\u003e is designed for MerCruiser R, MR, and Alpha I stern drives manufactured between 1983 and 1990. It provides direct-fit replacement components to restore proper shifting operation in compatible MerCruiser applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis kit directly replaces OEM part numbers 45518T1, 64518K, 45518T, and 21144.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEngineered for R\/MR\/Alpha I drive assemblies\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIncludes shift lever and bushing components\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompatible with 1983–1990 model year applications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePart Number Matrix\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse this matrix to confirm equivalent references across OEM and aftermarket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ss-table-wrap\"\u003e\n  \u003ctable class=\"ss-table\" aria-label=\"Part Number Matrix\"\u003e\n    \u003cthead\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003ePart Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eNotes\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/thead\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eMerCruiser\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e45518T1\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003ePrimary OEM reference\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eMerCruiser\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e64518K\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eAlternate reference\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eMerCruiser\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e45518T\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eCross reference\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eMerCruiser\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e21144\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eInterchange number\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eEngine \u0026amp; Model Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConfirm your engine model\/year in the table below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ss-table-wrap\"\u003e\n  \u003ctable class=\"ss-table\" aria-label=\"Engine \u0026amp; Model Compatibility\"\u003e\n    \u003cthead\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eModel\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eYears\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eOEM Part No.\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/thead\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eMerCruiser\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eR\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e1983–1990\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e45518T1\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eMerCruiser\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eMR\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e1983–1990\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e45518T1\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eMerCruiser\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eAlpha I\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e1983–1990\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e45518T1\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdl\u003e\n  \u003cdt\u003eApplication\u003c\/dt\u003e\n  \u003cdd\u003eShift lever and bushing assembly\u003c\/dd\u003e\n  \u003cdt\u003eDrive Type\u003c\/dt\u003e\n  \u003cdd\u003eStern drive\u003c\/dd\u003e\n  \u003cdt\u003eCompatible Series\u003c\/dt\u003e\n  \u003cdd\u003eR, MR, Alpha I\u003c\/dd\u003e\n  \u003cdt\u003eModel Years\u003c\/dt\u003e\n  \u003cdd\u003e1983–1990\u003c\/dd\u003e\n  \u003cdt\u003eOEM Reference\u003c\/dt\u003e\n  \u003cdd\u003e45518T1\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShift lever\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBushing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eInstallation Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDisconnect the battery and shift cable from the stern drive unit before beginning work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRemove the old shift lever and inspect the mounting area for corrosion or damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eClean the mounting surface thoroughly and ensure all old bushing material is removed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInstall the new bushing into the shift lever housing, ensuring proper alignment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePosition the new shift lever and secure it according to manufacturer torque specifications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReconnect the shift cable and verify smooth operation through all gear positions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTest shift function on land before launching to confirm proper installation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTroubleshooting \u0026amp; FAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eHow do I know if my shift lever or bushing needs replacement?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eCommon signs include difficulty shifting gears, excessive play in the shift mechanism, grinding noises during gear changes, or visible wear on the bushing. If shifting feels loose or inconsistent, inspection and replacement are recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eWill this kit work on Alpha One Gen II drives?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eNo, this kit is specifically designed for R, MR, and Alpha I drives from 1983–1990. Alpha One Gen II drives require different components and are not compatible with this kit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eDo I need special tools to install this kit?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eBasic hand tools are typically sufficient, including wrenches and screwdrivers. A torque wrench is recommended to ensure proper fastener tension. Refer to your service manual for specific torque values and procedures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eCan I install just the bushing without replacing the shift lever?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eWhile the bushing can be replaced separately, this kit includes both components for complete restoration. If only the bushing is worn, you may use just that part, but replacing both ensures optimal performance and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eWhat causes shift lever bushings to wear out?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eNormal use, exposure to marine environments, corrosion, and friction over time all contribute to bushing wear. Regular maintenance and inspection can help identify wear before it affects shifting performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003eHow often should this kit be replaced?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eReplacement intervals vary based on usage and conditions. Inspect the shift mechanism annually and replace when you notice excessive play, binding, or difficulty shifting. High-use applications may require more frequent service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSafety \u0026amp; Important Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVerify images\/specifications against your original part. If anything differs—even if your model appears compatible—do not purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThis is an aftermarket replacement, not an OEM component.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProfessional installation is recommended for safety and performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SeaSierra","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51025604084027,"sku":"21SK001","price":23.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/8673\/8747\/files\/12_c1e23136-e0ab-4c2f-be68-2dd351211814.jpg?v=1772927984","url":"https:\/\/seasierra.com\/products\/shift-lever-bushing-kit-fits-mercruiser-r-mr-alpha-i-replaces-45518t1-64518k-45518t-21144","provider":"SeaSierra","version":"1.0","type":"link"}