Gary Lewis

I can't. But I know that Dad's truck went from about 10 with the original engine and the C6 to almost 14 with Rusty's engine and the ZF5. Yes, I know that's a bad comparison as there were three changes.

Thanks, Scott. I think I'll get one for when the time comes I can actually install my light.

Interesting, Scott. Didn't know that was available. Dane - You are probably right. Coverlay makes the vast majority of the dash covers. Properly painted they are easily mistaken for a good dash pad.

Certainly. You are just looking for travel, right? I'm using the 10" Bilsteins. What are you using? And, what shock mounts do you have? I went with the ones that came with the D60, and they are much longer.

Scott/kramttocs has installed a double din in his truck. He described how he did it here: http://forum.garysgaragemahal.com/The-Camano-Experience-tp35327p46098.html. But it isn't a bolt-in, so you'll have to decide if the view is worth the climb. (Pun intended.

I have a feeling FedUp is going to go down the tubes. Amazon didn't renew the contract with them several months ago and then really ramped up their own delivery service. So here we get lots more Amazon, then UPS or USPS. Fortunately FedUp is way behind. Bill - Sorry you are having these problems.

Maybe we need to recruit Mark? Sure would be nice to have that expertise. But Bill/85lebaront2 knows his way around transmissions. We could ping him if you want, Clay.

Jim - It was Rusty's engine in Dad's truck with now Big Blue's ZF5 behind it. (I've done a bit of mixing and matching. ) I know that engine is strong, but that tranny has a few miles on it. Clay - A shift kit wouldn't hurt, but I'd have them check the clutches as well.

I don't think it has ever been rebuilt. As for the other question, you've taken it to a transmission shop and I'd rely on their determination, not mine. However, I'll bet they say they'll pull it apart and replace what is needed. Glad your FiL's "people" said they'd back it. If Jim's right, it may be just the pump that's damaged, which is what they should pay for, as well as the tows - both of them. But not a total rebuild. However, you may be asking "While they are in there should they go ahead and rebuild it?" And that's a good question. I'd ask them.

Yipes! 6.63 MPG?!?! With a worn out engine Big Blue got almost twice that. But, I'll tell you that the C6 is part of the problem. Even a well tuned engine loses significant efficiency with that tranny. But still, Dad's truck got 10 to 10.5 with the original 351M/C6 combo.

I'm thinking that extra depth crushed the pump, causing the leak and the bad run-out. That makes sense, Jim. There are at least two distances critical with a flexplate - the ring gear/starter alignment and the transmission's input shaft to the pump. I know if you don't get the converter up on the 2nd step and mash things together with the tranny/engine bolts you'll tear things up because there's so much pressure on the pump. In this case they put a spacer on to align the starter, but it surely had to put pressure on the pump.

That wasn't a stupid idea. It was a good one! And it worked out well, although I was surprised at how much time it took to work out the details. But it all came together. On the routing, I do need to go under and see how close it is. I think it is farther than it looks, but I think it is also touching the crossmember, which isn't good as it'll wear there.

Took the old Blue Mule on a road trip today to visit Chris so I filled it up this morning before hopping on the highway, and had to fill it up again on the way home, and both tanks calculated at 16.9 mpg. The second tank was all highway at 65 mph. The truck cruises along just great, I'm very happy with it. I was at one point hoping to hit 20 mpg with it, but I think that might have been a little too optimistic. So, all things considered, I think 17.5 mpg is possible, and maybe even 18 under the right conditions, but I'm pleased as punch with 17-ish. Yep, 17.5 is within reach. You'll get there, and maybe more.

Chris - No prob, I hope to get it in the mail tomorrow. Steering column looks good. I like that lower bearing.

Jim - I drove Rusty to see my father many times, and that was a 200 mile round trip. And I think that tranny and torque converter was in it during those trips, and the combo is from Dad's truck. But I'd have to go back and look at all my posts to see when I did what. I know my memory isn't what it was, or at least I think it used to be better.

Yes, I have a 1995 EVTM. I'll scan those sections in tomorrow. On the core support, I remember burning through the one you brought me as I welded up the little cracks in it. Luckily it was while and all the cracks were easy to see. But I was surprised how thin the metal is. However, all welded up I'll be yours, as well as mine, will be quite solid. Thanks again.

Man, I'm so sorry! I really can't fathom what the problem could be. Sure hope the transmission company can figure it out. This stinks!

Ok, the dip stick stay is D.O.N.E! Here 'tis with the EEC coil and bracket, but until I go with EFI it'll run the DS-II coil. And btw, that coil has been painted and its bracket blasted and PC'd. And the pair installed. Moving on!

Good catch, Jim.

I can't remember if it is the C6 or the ZF5, but one of them is said to have to come completely apart to change it over. Maybe someone else knows?

Ok, I got to measure the holes. They are probably drilled for 8mm, but 5/16" will work. However, the one's used by when he installed it have been drilled out. My guess is that he only had two bolts, and they were 3/8", so that's what he used. Hope to get it in the mail tomorrow.

Just thinking it might be something for you to get into. Keith is going to be considering a source. So you could talk to him. But, you could sell them directly like Terrapin did. However, you might want to talk to Jason to see why he got out of the business.

I have 11 of them in a baggie and they are all 2" long. So, I think the average is probably 2.0000".

Really just bought it out of curiosity. I'm not getting my hopes up until I have the piece in my hand and determine it's made to a solid quality standard. Just meant JBG beat LMC to it, not your order.

Guess Keith wasn't quite fast enough. Again in the immortal words of Larry Verne: "Hm, you're a little bit late on that one, Charlie Ooh, I bet that smarts!" I'm sorry to report that I don't yet know the hole size for the bolts to hold the small plate on. I forgot to measure them before it went in the oven.