Help with 2005 21V Launch Cutlass / Strut Bearing Replacement

[Mushy B]

Hello everyone,

I’m newer to boats but am mechanically inclined. Since I’ve owned the boat, going on 5 years, it’s had a low rpm high pitched noise from the prop shaft area of the boat. At the end of last season, my brother backed the prop into the muck and it sustained some damage. Funny thing, the noise went away after that.

I ordered a new prop and, strut bearings and packing for the packing nut.

Upon prop and shaft removal I am not seeing what I found online for a packing nut.

Questions are also shown in pictures below:

Question 1: Is this normal to have no strut bearing play but have a gap off to the left side? Please note the dry rot as well.

Question 2: Do I have a packing nut? If not, is the seal that is there a wear and tear item that should be replaced when removing the shaft?

Question 3: Is it ok to remove the coupler from shaft by installing a spacer between the couplers and tightening the bolts to press it off?

Thanks in advance!