Suzuki DF140: Convert 25" shaft to 20"?

[HarleyG8r]

I'm currently looking at repowering with a Suzuki DF 140. The motor I'm looking at has a bad lower unit, and is a 25" shaft. Would it be relatively feasible, especially seeing as I'd have to buy a new lower unit anyways, to convert to a 20" shaft? I know some motors use a completely different midsection, but some use a spacer that bolts between the midsection and the lower unit. If the latter is the case, then I assume this wouldn't be a very difficult switch. Anyone with specific knowledge of this motor, your help would be greatly appreciated. Alternatively, anyone with a reasonably priced 115-150 Suzuki, Opti, E-Tec, or Yamaha, most likely early 2000's, let me know.

[CRSURF]

I can really answer your question, but I need a mid-section for a 25". if you end up selling yours let me know.

[Beach]

It can be done, Suzuki uses a different size mid section...I have to go from 20" to 25" on a 2008 DF175 and it cost me nearly $3K

[mtdoragary]

Originally Posted by CRSURF

I can really answer your question, but I need a mid-section for a 25". if you end up selling yours let me know.

I'll swap you my 25" lower unit for your 20" if yours is corrosion-free like mine. Mine is freshwater only.

[jbg108]

I think your way better off spending $300 on a jack plate. If it can be done it will be expensive.

[bone-a-fide]

Originally Posted by jbg108

I think your way better off spending $300 on a jack plate. If it can be done it will be expensive.

Not if you swap for free!!!

[Boynton25]

I was looking to do the same thing and was told by a Suzuki dealer that I trust that you can't swap lower units between 25" and 20"

[mtdoragary]

I have a 20" DF90 and a 25" DF140 in my back yard. The difference is in the height of the gearboxes (just above the lower unit). I'll be pulling them before summer ends to see if I can swap them.
UPDATE:
Just talked to one Suzuki mechanic and he said the easiest way is to simply swap powerheads.

[mtdoragary]

Originally Posted by jbg108

I think your way better off spending $300 on a jack plate. If it can be done it will be expensive.

I thought about that too, but I hate to have my motor sticking up another five inches!

[kchace]

Originally Posted by mtdoragary

I have a 20" DF90 and a 25" DF140 in my back yard. The difference is in the height of the gearboxes (just above the lower unit). I'll be pulling them before summer ends to see if I can swap them.
UPDATE:
Just talked to one Suzuki mechanic and he said the easiest way is to simply swap powerheads.

Hmm, its scary, but he's probably right. Its not really that hard to swap the entire powerhead. Only a few wires and hoses to disconnect.

Ken

[mtdoragary]

I called a couple of dealers and they said the parts are different and it can't be done. I looked up the parts. They are the same for the 90, 115, and 140. So I CAN swap lower units and driveshaft housings OR I can swap powerheads. I guess they answered the way they did because they'd rather I buy a new motor! Now the question is do I want to do all that and repaint the lower units, and side covers, or do I want to add a jackplate! Jackplate would be easiest and offer all the advantages of a jackplate, but would stress my transom, and I REALLY don't want to raise the motor five inches higher on my beautiful old clasic boat. having a new motor on it is bad enough!