Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

I agree, #3 would be cool but #2 would be the quickest to get it up and going I'd imagine. Be sure to run that Getrag a quart over full. I'm sure you were already aware of that though. I'm right there with you on the having 4 cool rides vs 1 new expensive newer ride. I don't miss a truck payment and they are double or triple what mine used to be. Yikes. :lol:

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

#2 - 1 vote
#3 - 2 votes

nothing i do is about quick or easy (unless it's roadkill quick/easy). i don't have nearly enough time, so no time to waste doing things twice! ... the TDI is the correct choice, but the other 2 are significantly cheaper/faster. i suspect that the cheapest/fastest option will win out. maybe once the 55 is on the road i'll circle back

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

I say do what you want to with the Jeep. If you throw it back together as is, but you're really wanting the TDI, you're not going to enjoy the Jeep when it's running. If the new 4.0 and trans is what your really want, then go that route.

My dad wanted to throw a drive train in the panel truck so he could drive it before I cut it up and did what I'm doing. I told him I wasn't going to build it twice. I learned so much with the Jeep/trailblazer build, the panel truck is almost putting itself together. Even I can believe how quickly it's coming together.

What I'm saying is build it the way you want the first time.

-Josh

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

As I do totally agree with you! I also like the idea of changing thing up to keep it fresh.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

I vote #2. Once it’s done you will be happy you went the simply bolt in route vs spend way more time doing the tdi swap.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

ya know, the more i think about it ... stock sux ... i think i'm down to building an I6 4.6L stroker motor or the TDI. except the TDI can make the same HP, more torque, smaller/lighter, and get 35mpg in the Jeep. how could i go wrong!?!?

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

4.0 engines are cheap and plentiful. Throw one in there so you have a back up vehicle and build a cooler powerplant when the 55 is done. You'll have it running in a weekend.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

that's my catch ... a project i might not build for another year or 2 vs driving it now.

but at least the RAM should be back together here maybe tonight. i really like this getrag g360 transmission, it's nice n easy to tear down n work on. no special tools, not even a press was needed. all new now and ready for another 337,000 miles. this trans had not been rebuilt before, i was without question breaking the factory sealer for the first time. so either this is a 337,000 miles trans, or some previous owner had a factory new trans swapped in. the PTO covers had obviously been off at some point, but that was it. it also had what looked like 337,000 miles of diesel oil and road grim built on up on it. there has to be 3 clutches worth of friction material built up inside the bell housing! :lol:

and the freaking deer are back ... i filled the bird feeder and within 10minutes the turkey were there eating everything i spilled. not 5 minutes later and the deer are chasing off the turkey to stick their tongue in the feeder to eat the seed. i mean, COME ON!

https://i.imgur.com/xgrNmVc.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BYpwIqo.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jcUIZwx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/JxFh7II.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

i didn't read the fine print, the bold print, or even look at the pictures :lol:

so i got the shifter stub rebuild kit cuz i thought mine was SUPER blown out, just ordered what was available. turns out my stick was RTV'd to the stick-side stub and that sleeve is super wallowed out. this would be the source of my sloppy, wet noodle feeling shift. after reading up on both styles, i think i'll re-use the bolt-on stub, the stick stub bolted to it, and then weld on a whole new stick bent to perfection for my hand.

https://i.imgur.com/bPZ7zlD.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Man, they sure know when non shooting time is don't they? :lol: I'm surprised that handle didn't come off in your hand with just rtv holding it. That just goes to show how strong some of that was back in the day. :lol:

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

trying to consolidate parts laying everywhere so i got the 12v/nv5600 together for good. removing the rear cover to replace the rear main seal on the bench is super nice. dual disk clutch is crazy heavy though! can you imagine spinning a small child up to 4000RPM??!?!? that'll takes some HP away from the tires. the mid plate alone weights more than the jeep flywheel! got the coated valve covers and oil pan on before slipping the trans into place. engine crane trans install ... when your trans weights more than some engines :facepalm:

i'm worried about the length of the Lokar dipstick, i might have to take it apart and shorten the sleeve. that's a job for after installed and proper oil added though. also broke the factory block heater, so it had to be removed. trying to pry it out i punched the manifold 3x in a row ... almost threw tools thru the windshild of the wife's 'vette ... and decided this was a spectacular time to go in for a snack and watch some TV. :exit:

and speaking of the wife, she even offered to help this weekend! put her to work sanding out the inside of the cab to prep it for sound spray and primer. i guess i really do need to paint it all now ...

https://i.imgur.com/X73DgXB.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AYEvLNz.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HPf5KmB.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/V5QuSVN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fnFSdxA.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ID7HKgi.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Ya it's crazy how heavy diesel clutch/flywheel is, I had one for my 7,3idi had to use a dolly to move it around. Do you think your hoist will lift the motor and trans all at once to get it in the truck?

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

so i'm able to reach the engine mounts at the 1-1/2 TON setting on the arm extension. 3000lbs working load rating should be safe enough for what is less than 1500lbs. it's a B!TCH to roll it, but does ok.

you are NOT the only one who thinks i'm nutz for even attempting to swing the whole mess from a HF crane.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Nice work and yeah they are heavy. If you ever see the big torque semi ones you'll really go nuts. I don't miss putting those on without a clutch jack at all. :lol: Just watch the wheels on the HF crane. They like to break in half and cause you bad stains in your shorts when engine and trans combos are up high being positioned. :lol:

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

holy crap that would suck!

i've always kept the engine as low as possible until the last moment to swing up and over the chassis. i keep threatening to get something bigger/heavier too.

on the 55 i can keep the engine nice and low, but with the trans dangle i end up jacking it way up there for this stab. it would just be so much more effort to go under with the trans with how heavy this is, and trying to get the whole chassis up high enough to roll the trans on the jack under there.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

finished getting the new valve cover seals and bolt o-rings installed. the blue seals i lucked into and really like for this truck!

got a generic Cummins manifold blanket to try and keep more heat out of the cab in the dog-house. did a bench test fit since the manifold is a Stainless Diesel high-flow T4 and it's really nice. it actually worked out great to just replace one at a time with the wire and the zipites held it in place. all installed and ready to make noises!

https://i.imgur.com/V0F57hR.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LBqNbIR.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

That sure is a sweet manifold to cover up! :lol: I used blankets on the vette to keep heat out of the cabin and to not burn the hood. They do work. I don't blame you one bit for putting the trans on the engine now. That old KISS method comes to mind. :lol:

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

what a great truck build! i have a rusty windshield 56 too, and just got a one owner XJ 97 (4 door auto though), the parallels are concerning haha. I figure i will just watch and take note of your pitfalls to avoid them. KIDDING. great build.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Who makes the manifold blanket?

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

nothing special, just amazon

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

wow ... now i really feel bad ... i went long enough without update that i fell off page 1. i had a list of excuses, but then realized most of them were already posted here! :whine: but anyways, i'm waiting on parts for my excuses so back to the good stuff.

i'm really down to needing the interior painted before i can go any further with anything. at that point a LOT of stuff comes together (hopefully). last hurdle is getting this eyebrow replaced so here we go. also pulled the doors for access, rust repair, painting, and future alignment.

when i started cutting, i didn't expect to find the inner structure, let alone spot welded to it. slowly getting there getting all the old removed. wish me luck.

https://i.imgur.com/go4YuOZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/b0YLBCy.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

Yeah, those pesky inner structures and their spot welds. Always good to look at the assembly manual before tackling any sheet metal, then you have an idea of what to expect. It shows where the spot welds are too.

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

ok, random question ... how to remove the knob blanking plates in the dash?!? is there an easy way i'm mising?

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

small update, still getting there. had to buy a finger sander and now i'm wondering how i've ever done anything without one before! for $42 on amazone, this thing is a HUGE win! stick it up in there, grind off over the spot welds, and i've been able to pop loose the filler panel without distorting the roof lip. also, under-hood light FTW.

https://i.imgur.com/FI4ASUA.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MEw0IqJ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bXLMyNP.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/JG9CpaM.jpg

Re: Project: Tow-Rat (Lil' Blue)
 

I had to look up "finger sander". its what I call a mini belt sander, lol.
yup, got one, usefull for lots of stuff. if anybody is looking be sure to buy one that is easy to find belts for. also, some have a handle that moves to different angles, which is handy.