Thinking
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Alaska
Well, all the electrical is now up and functioning correctly. The wiring for the auto start had to be removed. It was nicely done, but I found that one of the taps cut thru a wire and made it function only occasionally.
I did find that the dash surround was cracked and actually broken when I removed the lower panel. I guess I'll be finding one of them this week. At least cutting the radio hole out is simple this way with everything removed. lol
I'm hoping to later tonight install my exhaust. Other than repainting the underside, I'm done under there, I hope. The transmission will tell me when I give her the infamous road test of hell. If it makes it there, then I'll consider it ready.
Progress is a good thing in this case. I'm happy as hell that the GEM wasn't the culprit. I was starting to lean that way when I couldn't communicate with it with a SnapOn Scanner I borrowed from a buddy. Once I found the wire, everything woke up and became functional. That scanner saved me some serious time. So, to the AKnWantabee, thank you.
I did find that the dash surround was cracked and actually broken when I removed the lower panel. I guess I'll be finding one of them this week. At least cutting the radio hole out is simple this way with everything removed. lol
I'm hoping to later tonight install my exhaust. Other than repainting the underside, I'm done under there, I hope. The transmission will tell me when I give her the infamous road test of hell. If it makes it there, then I'll consider it ready.
Progress is a good thing in this case. I'm happy as hell that the GEM wasn't the culprit. I was starting to lean that way when I couldn't communicate with it with a SnapOn Scanner I borrowed from a buddy. Once I found the wire, everything woke up and became functional. That scanner saved me some serious time. So, to the AKnWantabee, thank you.
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,544
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From: Alaska
My issue, that I just figured I'd probably have, came to light tonight. I dropped the transmission pan and found parts of the transmission inside. A little out of place. lol. E40D had reverse, but drive not as much. lol. I considered this when I bought it. It had the smell of AT additive, so I questioned how far this would go. The engine runs super, but with a slight rear main leak, so when I change out the trans next weekend, I'll replace that seal at the same time. I figure I might as well do it right the first time.
I found a guaranteed (24k-2yr) 84k mile trans for $550, so I'll grab that Wednesday. Time to go buy two 12 inch bolts to make the install so much easier to do on the ground. I learned doing it that way many years ago, and it works flawlessly. I just cut the heads off, and cut a slot for a straight screwdriver to turn them. The best part is all you have to do once the bolts are in, is just push the trans into place. Then put in the other bolts and remove the two mount ones. It's as easy as rolling the rear end out with 2 steel wheels. Simplification at it's finest. lol
When I'm done I should have $2375 into this truck. I don't feel to hurt by that total. $3000 would of made me a bit more concerned, but this amount is livable. Another $200-300 for paint, and I will be quite happy. Luckily I've painted numerous cars/truck with my Binks gun. I'm going to try a gravity feed this next time. My buddy rep's a line of guns (Dev) and he's loaning me a new GF to try out. Once it gets used, it goes into rental or get's sold outright. If I like it, I'll end up with it. He's always taken great care of me. I think I'll have to paint his Ranger. Watch. lol
I found a guaranteed (24k-2yr) 84k mile trans for $550, so I'll grab that Wednesday. Time to go buy two 12 inch bolts to make the install so much easier to do on the ground. I learned doing it that way many years ago, and it works flawlessly. I just cut the heads off, and cut a slot for a straight screwdriver to turn them. The best part is all you have to do once the bolts are in, is just push the trans into place. Then put in the other bolts and remove the two mount ones. It's as easy as rolling the rear end out with 2 steel wheels. Simplification at it's finest. lol
When I'm done I should have $2375 into this truck. I don't feel to hurt by that total. $3000 would of made me a bit more concerned, but this amount is livable. Another $200-300 for paint, and I will be quite happy. Luckily I've painted numerous cars/truck with my Binks gun. I'm going to try a gravity feed this next time. My buddy rep's a line of guns (Dev) and he's loaning me a new GF to try out. Once it gets used, it goes into rental or get's sold outright. If I like it, I'll end up with it. He's always taken great care of me. I think I'll have to paint his Ranger. Watch. lol
Last edited by akdoggie; Aug 29, 2016 at 12:34 AM.
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Joined: Mar 2016
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From: South-central Ohio
Your buddy is going to lend you a GF to try out....Girlfriend???lol
Sounds like the weather has cleared up and youre on a roll!!
Weather down here is miserable- hot and humid!,
Dont overdo it- end up kinking yourself up!
Sounds like the weather has cleared up and youre on a roll!!
Weather down here is miserable- hot and humid!,
Dont overdo it- end up kinking yourself up!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,544
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From: Alaska
I'm going to be careful this week. I'm still deciding if I want to install the transmission or farm it out to a buddy's garage to do. He only charges me 55 an hour, so 4 hours would be only 220. i'm thinking I may have to go that way just so I don't have a freaking mess out in my drive and I don't screw my back up more. That and I'd be better off over all. Now I think I will have to give him a call and see how he's booked.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,544
Likes: 2,552
From: Alaska
I just got lucky. I bought the transmission under my RV repair license, and got it for $394.66. That includes a 12/12k parts and labor (r & r) warranty.
Then my buddy called, and said he has his transmission jack available if I want it. I told him I wanted him to come with the jack, so for a simple $100, he's going to swap it out on Saturday. Deal!!!! I'll change the rear main seal at that time. That should button this pig up. lol
This week I'll go ahead an remove most of the transmission bolts and have that ready to drop when he gets here. I couldn't believe that the flat rate for changing this transmission is 9.5 hours. When I got the quote, I about had a heart attack. At the Ford dealership, it would of cost $1330 for labor only. He was $705 which is still quite a bit for 20 or so bolts and to drop and replace a transmission. Add the bolts to drop the t/case from the transmission (easier to handle on the ground) and the drivelines and wa-la. Not a lot of rocket science to do this. I'm still surprised by the time required by the book. It just seems excessive.
Then my buddy called, and said he has his transmission jack available if I want it. I told him I wanted him to come with the jack, so for a simple $100, he's going to swap it out on Saturday. Deal!!!! I'll change the rear main seal at that time. That should button this pig up. lol
This week I'll go ahead an remove most of the transmission bolts and have that ready to drop when he gets here. I couldn't believe that the flat rate for changing this transmission is 9.5 hours. When I got the quote, I about had a heart attack. At the Ford dealership, it would of cost $1330 for labor only. He was $705 which is still quite a bit for 20 or so bolts and to drop and replace a transmission. Add the bolts to drop the t/case from the transmission (easier to handle on the ground) and the drivelines and wa-la. Not a lot of rocket science to do this. I'm still surprised by the time required by the book. It just seems excessive.