Pulling a Prop

I seem to have a vibration in my newly acquired 1968 Mustang and the engine tops out at about 4000 RPM. When flushing the engine on my trailer it appears the prop shaft may be bent. I know how to use a dial indicator and I have no problem making dial indicator measurements but I just want to ask: Am I going to need a special tool to pull off my prop? Will a tap on the front of the prop with a hammer and drift knock the prop off? Can I expect the prop to come off easily? When I unbolt the shaft coupling will the prop shaft slide out easliy? I just don't know what I am getting into or what to expect. -jim

Thanks for the advice. After thinking about it, I figure I will have to check the shaft everytime I hit ground with the prop - so I'm going to check Ebay for a puller... Thanks again.

Jim_In_Houston wrote: I figure I will have to check the shaft everytime I hit ground with the prop

You plan on hitting ground a lot

To answer your other questions, yes the shaft is relatively easy to pull after you loosen the packing nut on the through hull fitting (forgot proper terminology) and loosen the set screws at the hub fitting. The rudder is offset so it will slip past. If you replace the shaft, I suggest you dimple the new shaft at the set screws to prevent the shaft from backing out on its own when you back the boat down hard. It is not a pretty sight when the prop hits the rudder.