this is what i love about this site, the 'real world' input from folks. thank you all for your insight on this issue, now i have a much better knowledge of how things are working in that lovely bulge of fiberglass.

well, maybe i will still keep the prop rod, but in your opinions, do you think leaving the really warped side spring out will help at all? maybe i jumped the gun and was just 'optimistic', but it seems to sit a little bit better?

either way, thank you all for chiming in, now it's here for everyone to learn from....

D