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Needing direction...

Started cleaning up my engine today.
IMG_4719.jpg
Didn't take an after pic but it cleaned up nice.

Harmonic balancer needs replaced as does the timing chain. Tons of slop. IMG_4720.jpg

Those have been ordered along with new oil pan gasket and exhaust manifold and gasket. Much more cleaning to do but it's coming along. I'm not an expert mechanic so I'll welcome suggestions for anything I shouldn't overlook.

I have an exceptional amount of frame narrowing. So much so that the PO welded on angle iron to attach the transmission skid plate.
IMG_4724.jpg
The plate lines up fine on the angle iron modification but is more than 1 1/2" off if I use the factory holes. I've gone back and forth but going back to original holes is going to require a considerable amount of frame widening. Thoughts?
IMG_4723.jpg
 
cattleman1977 said:
I'm not an expert mechanic so I'll welcome suggestions for anything I shouldn't overlook.
Click to expand...

Have you considered the Ford Duraspark Upgrade?
(Basically replacing your existing distributor cap & rotor, plug wires, and coil with Ford high output components.)
http://www.swbbbs.freeservers.com/teamrush.htm

I did this on my '83, along with the "nutter bypass" for the Carter BBD carb, and it made a world of difference for little $.
 
cattleman1977 said:
Started cleaning up my engine today.
View attachment 55874
Didn't take an after pic but it cleaned up nice.

Harmonic balancer needs replaced as does the timing chain. Tons of slop. View attachment 55875

Those have been ordered along with new oil pan gasket and exhaust manifold and gasket. Much more cleaning to do but it's coming along. I'm not an expert mechanic so I'll welcome suggestions for anything I shouldn't overlook.

I have an exceptional amount of frame narrowing. So much so that the PO welded on angle iron to attach the transmission skid plate.
View attachment 55876
The plate lines up fine on the angle iron modification but is more than 1 1/2" off if I use the factory holes. I've gone back and forth but going back to original holes is going to require a considerable amount of frame widening. Thoughts?
View attachment 55877
Click to expand...

With the frame that narrow through the transmission area I would think the rear spring hangers would be off and cause your front shackles to bow out
Does that make sense?


 
cattleman1977 said:
Planning on it. Just haven't got that far. [emoji106]
Click to expand...

Not that you need any more things to do........ :evil:

Since you are already completely apart and tore down; you might as well throw a 4.0 head and Fuel Injection!! Add 50 Hp and a whole bunch of drivability? :woot:
 
jims chop shop said:
With the frame that narrow through the transmission area I would think the rear spring hangers would be off and cause your front shackles to bow out
Does that make sense?

Good point, I hadn't thought of that. I might see if I can jack it apart and get it bolted down. I'm ready to drive this thing and I need to remind myself shortcuts aren't worth it.
Click to expand...
 
tower210 said:
Not that you need any more things to do........ :evil:

Since you are already completely apart and tore down; you might as well throw a 4.0 head and Fuel Injection!! Add 50 Hp and a whole bunch of drivability? :woot:
Click to expand...

Valid point. At this stage I'm going to wait for that. And if I do it all now I won't have any future upgrades to look forward to!
 
That, and if it's like when I built mine, my wallet was already empty!!


 
So I managed to spread my frame enough today to get the factory bolt holes to line up for my transmission skid plate. I used a hi-lift jack and it was just enough. IMG_4733.jpg

Three of the six captured nuts were missing but I managed to get a nut on every bolt. Thanks JimsChopShop, this was definitely the right thing to do. IMG_4736.jpg

It eliminated one more potential rust area and I think the comment on correct allignment of the springs was very relevant.
IMG_4737.jpg

I also pulled the head on my engine. For the most part things looked good. There was a bit of marking on two cylinders but I think a hone will take care of that. PO of engine said it was using some oil but I'm hoping the hone and all new gaskets solves that issue.
IMG_4731.jpg
IMG_4732.jpg
Tomorrow I go fetch my tub, hood, and a few other parts from the painter!:bacon:
 
This was the most productive day I've had in ages! I managed to get axels and springs mounted and shocks installed. Also installed the fuel tank I ordered off Craigslist a couple months ago.
IMG_4745.jpg
I also cleaned up and painted my steering box.
IMG_4738.jpg
IMG_4747.jpg
I picked up my tub from the painter this evening and it looks perfect! Forgot to take a picture before I put it in the shed though. Great to see some real progress!
 
Looking great! Can't wait to see that beautiful brown paint!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G850A
 
Is this connector something I need to clean up and put on my new springs? It's on the rear springs that I took out. I'm not sure if it's original or even necessary.
ecf5ac2bef34f28892de802f9d03dde8-1.jpg
 
cattleman1977 said:
Is this connector something I need to clean up and put on my new springs? It's on the rear springs that I took out. I'm not sure if it's original or even necessary.
ecf5ac2bef34f28892de802f9d03dde8-1.jpg
Click to expand...
That's some kind of non-original sway bar. I'd have no idea just how effective it might be. I'd pass on it.
 
I agree. I would think a sway bar on the rear would be a negative. More so THAT sway bar.
 
You mentioned you got a few gaskets, why didn't you get a full kit (or did you?) so you could replace them all. Like fuel pump etc?
 
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