seized pivit tube 12983 Evenrude 40 hb outboard

I have an '84 16' Dixie with a 40 horse Evenrude on it that's been sitting in the salt air for 3 years. I'm putting the boat back in service now.

The "ears" on the motor that encircle the pivot tube have seized to the pivot tube. There are grease fittings on the ears, but I can't force any grease in.

I pulled the steering shaft out of the tube and loosened the 1 1/4" nuts holding the shaft, and then alternately snugged one up, and tried to pull the tube thru the ears from one side and then the other with no luck.

I can lift the motor up from outside the boat and rotate everything up to the lock position, but that twists up the steering, and torgues everything too much.

Any ideas on how to free this up so I can use the tilt feature?

Thanks,

Mike