Lokar Trans Dipstick in 4x4 w/350TH ?

[Ironhorse]

Anyone using a Lokar TH350 dipstick in their '71 4x4? My current TH350 dipstick is not in the best of shape and "thinking " about going to a Lokar stick. What Lokar number stick works well in a stock height '71 4x4 with a 350/350 combo? Do you use firewall mount or is it block mounted, make any difference?

[special-K]

I've never used a Lokar dip stick, but lift should have no effect. Not sure about 2wd vs 4wd. I would think those are the same. The 4wd engine sits back farther, but the dipstick tube runs tight to the trans and follows those contours

[Ironhorse]

Thanks for the response Sp-K. Yeah, being 4WD engine sits pretty tight to the firewall. For that reason is why I used my stock Delco/Remy distributor and Petronix II pointless ignition. Sure don't have room for the big HEI GM style cap.

Did a bit of pricing on the Lokar sticks, don't exactly give them away do they, May look into finding a decent GM original since the truck is pretty well stock overall. This spring I plan on switching to my 6 lug four nub 15x8 steelies and stainless caps. Like my rallys but just looking for a bit of a change for awhile. Been running rallys since I bought the truck in '85.

[special-K]

But those Lokars are faster than stock dipsticks and sure look good going down the road

What's wrong with the original? Is the cap and felt seal all loose?

[Ironhorse]

I was thinking I had a problem with the dipstick leaking at the O ring at the lower tube end. Had to use a new after market dip stick when switched from sm465 to 350TH. Bad knees and a clutch aren't a good mix as one gets more experienced (re: older). Turned out NOT to be that dip stick at all. Had a bit of auto trans fluid on the floor and got to looking things over. The transfer case was FULL of tranny fluid. Seems my seals between the trans and transfer case are the culprit. Had a mech. friend of mine pull the transfer using his shop lift and the two flanged seals are soft and pliable, no marks, cuts or tears. There is a round O ring seal on the "input" shaft to the transfer and it is hard as a rock. Hoping by replacing that seal it will take care of the problem. Probably would have been cheaper if it had been my dip stick being the problem,

[special-K]

So you're saying now you feel like a dipstick? (ah jeez) That's a common problem you had, though (knock on wood) I haven't experienced it...yet. You've got it right now, though.