Mercury guys I need your help!

[Rlbol]

So I picked up an 18 Seacraft recently with an mercury xr4 engine. I am now replacing the steering to a modern sea star hydraulic cylinder. The problem is I can get the previous steering rod out of the motor. It is a j shaped rod. Both steering shaft bolts are off. I have been spraying oil as well as extra grease to the grease port. It is almost all the way out of one side but will not budge now. I have tried heavy blow hammer, tiling the engine up and down as well as soaking in penetrating oil. I have kind of run out of ideas! Any advice or even directions to something on the Internet would be greatly appreciated!