88302A2 Mercruiser Alpha/Pre-Alpha Square/Splined Steering Shaft | Genuine Used Part

🔧 Product Description

Genuine MerCruiser Square-to-Splined Upper Steering Shaft - Part Number: 88302A2

A genuine used MerCruiser upper steering shaft for selected pre-Alpha and early Alpha transom systems.

The shaft uses a square lower connection at the gimbal ring and a splined upper connection at the steering lever. This configuration must be matched exactly because later Alpha and Bravo systems use different shaft and lever designs.

⚙️ Key Features

• Genuine Mercury MerCruiser OEM upper steering shaft
• Correct part number 88302A2
• Square lower connection and splined upper connection
• Used on selected pre-Alpha and early Alpha transom assemblies
• Transfers steering-lever movement into the gimbal ring

🚤 Compatibility

Commonly used on

• MerCruiser pre-Alpha and early Alpha steering systems
• Transom assemblies using the square-lower / splined-upper shaft

Typically suits

• Engine models:
• MerCruiser pre-Alpha transom assemblies from approximately 1976-1982
• Early R / MR / Alpha One Gen I assemblies where the square / splined configuration is shown
• Inline-four, inline-six and V8 sterndrive installations using the matching early steering lever and gimbal ring
• HP Range: Engine-family controlled
• Engine Type: MerCruiser pre-Alpha / early Alpha sterndrive transom system
• Year Range: Approximately 1976 - 1990, configuration controlled

🔌 Function

The upper shaft joins the steering lever to the gimbal ring. It transmits steering torque through its splined upper end and square lower end while rotating in the gimbal-housing bushes.

⚠️ Common Signs of Failure

• Splines or square drive are worn
• Shaft is bent or heavily corroded
• Steering has excess free play
• Bush and seal surfaces are grooved
• Shaft seizes in the housing

🔄 Supersession & Cross Reference

OEM Supersession Chain

• 88302A2 current known square / splined shaft reference

OEM / Related Numbers

• 88302A2
• 88302
• 88301 / 88301S related early gimbal ring
• 88302A1 related complete gimbal-ring assembly
• MerCruiser square / splined steering shaft

Aftermarket / Verified Equivalents

• No aftermarket equivalent

📦 Condition

• Genuine used part
• Removed from running engine where applicable
• In good working condition unless otherwise stated