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I want to install bearings on the outdrives. After removing the retainers and felts . Do I use the retainers to hold the bearings in place?

nope, just the bearings. it's a snug fit, so they should stay there without a problem.

Once you install the bearings I think you'll find there is no more room for anything.

And you'll have less idler gear eaten away as the outdrive spin more consistently. Or at least it happens to my 6 gears...