Markeb01 Build Thread

[cwcarpenter98]

I'm glad to see you back posting again. I had been a lurker for awhile, but after reading through your entire build thread, I decided to start my own build thread. I hope your leg finishes healing quickly and that you can get back to driving the truck soon. Driving them is the best part

[roll_the_dice]

Mark, I have read your thread many times...great work! Good luck on the road to recovery and I understand about driving a stick, but better driving an auto than nothing!

[markeb01]

That's where I'm at! I've been a stick shift guy my whole life, and really dread going back to an automatic, but the truck was fun to drive with the auto I had before, so I know I'll be happy with it again. Thanks for stopping by.

[Captainfab]

Are you going with a stock converter or a little bit of a stall?

[LostMy65]

I live where the roads are curvey hills, stop & go. I got tired of constantly shifting up and down.

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I live where the roads are curvey hills, stop & go. I got tired of constantly shifting up and down.

I figured I'd go with a stock converter. I had a higher stall one once in my 46 Ford and I hated it. Well my shifter showed up today as promised, so I pulled it from the packaging and have it all assembled. At least it gives me something to look at and play with until the transmission arrives:

[realvc]

Really nice looking shifter for your very cool truck.

[raven316]

This is my 66 longbed fleetside some 14 years ago when I first had it painted with JDBB. It's parked outside and under a tree so it does show some dirt. The only thing I've used toi clean it that works is windex and then it takes a to of scrubbing. I'm wondering what other ideas ya'll might have about cleaning it?

[Ta2Don]

Just caught up on you. Glad to hear things are looking up. Prayers.

[markeb01]

Well I did it again! This afternoon I ordered the new transmission and several parts from Summit, and the slip yoke for the back of the transmission from Jeg's. Summit only offered one yoke for $299, so I bought it from Jeg's for 94.00 instead. The flex plate was backordered until the end of the month, but everything else will arrive shortly. I guess I'll need to get me kid turned on to help me soon. Also, the new converter has a 2,000 rpm stall speed, so we'll see how much fun that adds.

Also I went to the doc today for my leg, and he gave me some more instructions and another appointment in two weeks, and believes we'll be ready to start fitting the leg/shoe to me on the next visit! Yay!!!

[markeb01]

The transmission parts are due to start arriving on Monday, and my oldest son and I are going to start pulling the stick shift out next Saturday. Then we'll schedule for a subsequent weekend to install the automatic, once everything arrives.

[markeb01]

This afternoon I pulled out the passenger side seat, and the floor mounting brackets with their six bolts. I also pulled the door side seat belt, and pulled a couple of the upholstery panels. I'll attempt to remove the drivers seat, console, and shifter boot/linkage later today. Once that stuff if out of the way, I'll be able to remove the rubber floor mat and the transmission pan for easier access.

[markeb01]

After lunch today I pulled the drivers seat along with the floor mounted attaching brackets, all remaining seat belts, all of the rear upholstery panels, and the shifter boot. The only work left for tomorrow is removing the door sills and the center console. Once those are cleared I'll pull the full floor mat and the transmission pan in the floor, making it easier to remove the 4 speed next Saturday.

[likaroc13]

Sounds like you're making progress & well on your way to a new transmission!

[markeb01]

We sure are! Got all the rest of the residuals out this morning, and will roll up the floor mat as soon as we have a flat place to store it downstairs. Pictures to follow shortly!

[markeb01]

Okay, here's some photo's of the stripped interior, highlighting the access to removing the 4 speed, and installing the TH350: You can also see I have one of the straight line shifters that moves it inside the truck cab, and back beyond the end of the floor pan. I'm hoping I still have the original bracket and shifter rods that mounts if further forward and under the floor.

[350TacoZilla]

Not related to the trans swap but I have to say man that is one hell of a nice interior in that thing.

[roll_the_dice]

I am excited for your trans swap...and more excited for you to be able to drive the truck again!

[markeb01]

Thanks! Me too!!

[Indian113]

Stick or Auto- I think your Truck is still one of the Sharpest of our Groups! I look at it every time I think how dumb I am to tear mine down a s far as I have. Keeps me in Line

[markeb01]

Thanks for the comments! Well today we pulled out the driveshaft, shifter, speedometer drive, transmission, clutch linkage, clutch, and pressure plate. We stopped at the flywheel as the starter drive is in the way, and also needs to be pulled first. So we'll get to that next Saturday. I'll post some more pictures tomorrow, as I can't get into the garage tonight.

We also got the new shifter housing mounted on the new TH350, and checked the sliding yoke for fit. The flex plate showed up today (way early) so I fitted it up against the torque converter and it's also perfect. Things are really going rather smoothly!

[markeb01]

Here's a few more shots of the garage stuff:

[markeb01]

The black plush carpet and the chrome flexplate dust cover will both arrive next Tuesday!

[markeb01]

The black plush carpet and the chrome flexplate dust cover will both arrive next Tuesday! That's the balance of all the pieces I need to go back on the road!!

[Grizz1963]

Excellent stuff Mark.


Grinning here at all your new toys.