OK, WTF is going on. I know they are suppose to be tight but this is thing is f**kin really tight.  I can't even get it start to get over the o-ring. I  rubbed it down with vasoline since I was out of grease. Do I need a custom ring or something?

Yes and no....i bought another WJ that had the energizer kit already assembled. The kit has not touched water, but I have had it for about a year and it was probably assembled two or so years ago . I just can't get the the transom ring on.

Great. Good thing I didn't wait until the week of my trip to do the swap. BTW, this is Williams old Miller.