impeller for 2001 f115xtry

[JWilson]

I'm going to change my impeller for both my f2001xtry's. I wa hoping if anyone could offer advice beyond the manual. I have a regular and counter rotation model.
I've read the previous posts and I am concerned of the Gasket under the impeller plate, do I need to remove it?
The shift rod (placement recovery techniques)?
what is a good approriate tool for installing the collar over the drive shaft?
amount of time needed to complete the job( I will multiply it by two for the learning curve)?
thank you very much, Jwilson

[boats.net]

No it's pretty much just a nut and bolt job. replace any parts that are or may be worn. I always put the control box in reverse gear before removing lower unit to make it easier to align splines when reassembling.