Various issues with 1986 Sierra P/U

[fang508]

So I have a few questions regarding some issues I have fixing up this old truck. There is this metal bar/bracket that sits right next to the starter. It seems like a tension bar because it can bend easily then back again. I had to have another person pry on it with a long bar so I could drop the starter. Can I leave the bracket off without problems?

How loose should a transmission be without the engine attached? I am putting a crate engine and new headers in. While I was taking the old beat up rusty manifolds off I noticed I could rock the transmission any direction by a few inches.

What is the difference between sbc and bbc clamshell mounts? I bought new sbc motor mounts for my crate engine and the 7/16 x 5" center pins I wanted to reuse had so much side to side play. So I bought 2 1/2" x 5" bolts and it fits nice and snug. Every forum I search for sbc center bolt sizes says I need 7/16" yet 1/2" fits so much better? Seems kinda odd I am running into these problems.

Thanks

[mongocanfly]

On the transmission moving around without being hooked to engine..yep its gonna move..you've only got one mounting point at the trans rear..its rubber..lots of flex..make sure its not broke though..

On the starter issue are you referring to the heat shield? If, so its there for a purpose.to protect the starter from exhaust heat..

[fang508]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

On the transmission moving around without being hooked to engine..yep its gonna move..you've only got one mounting point at the trans rear..its rubber..lots of flex..make sure its not broke though..

On the starter issue are you referring to the heat shield? If, so its there for a purpose.to protect the starter from exhaust heat..

Well I found out that it is not a heatshield but still no clue as to its purpose. It's bolted to the frame only on the pass side. Here is a old photo it can be seen in. I will try to get a better one tomorrow since the engine is out. You can see how tight it is against the starter. I had to have my dad use a long pole to bend this thing while I yanked on the starter before it released. I think the original engine was installed with it on because after we finally got it off we found the starter was all gouged up on the contacting side.

[jdl71]

Is this a 4wd?

[fang508]

Originally Posted by jdl71

Is this a 4wd?

Yep it sure is. What happens since it is 4wd?

[jdl71]

It seems like my 78 had two oddly placed "bars", one on each side, that went from the frame to the transfer case or transmission in about that same spot. It may be totally different, but I remember I had to do something with them when I pulled the engine, and when I saw this that's what came to mind. Almost like a strut that kept the drive train from twisting or something.