Im in the process of mounting my new to me motor on my boat. I drained the old fluid from the trim and replaced with new. I believe i read where the piston should be compressed before connecting the hoses. Is there any other step that should be take to prevent issues? or just do that and go at it....

Thanks fellas

Doesn't matter position of ram. Cycle the ram a few times and it will push the air out. Now after cycling it a few times, cycle it to the end of its limits and hold it for about 2 sec after its maxed out. This will allow the excess air to be pushed out. Won't damage the pump or hoses, due to the internal overpressure of the pump. This is also a good way to determine if the seals inside the ram leak by. You should clearly hear the motor "sound" change when you do this. Now cycle to the limits the other way and repeat. Depending on which reservoir you have, you may have to add more fluid as you do this to fill everything.