68 C50 Looongbed pickup build

[Advanced Design]

I agree with your thinking about the wrong kind of fluid being used in the hydraulic system. Can you rebuild the gear with new seals? And I've never noticed atf causing a rubber floor mat to swell, so maybe brake fluid got into the hydroboost?

Yeah, the torque sequence on the intake looks strange to me, tightening several bolts on the same side in a row. I've only ever seen starting at middle, going side to side working out to outside.

The 15 foot mower looks like a batwing? We have an old 15 footer that is flat and has zero flex. Use to use it a lot chopping corn stalks left after harvest and mowing pasture.

Good progress and engine is looking really nice!