thanks guys, seems if i have to go cmc, they are a quality product.
cv, i actually looked at that one this weekend on ebay, but i am leary of a used one, like i say, i have 3 others doing the same thing.
garage, i don't think it is in the ram, it moves free when removed from the block and goes up & down when air is applied.
spare, i did most of above, except when i added fluid i used merc power trim fluid, which is quite a bit thinner than 10w30. do those units use a different fluid?

pull the motor off and check the coupler, if the shaft coupler is broken,then its an easy fix