I then raised the transmission to ride height to install the cross member. The work I did yesterday bending the mounting ears paid off. The cross member went into place with no issues. I bolted it into place and then lowered the transmission onto it and bolted up the transmission bushing. (The picture below was taken at the end of the day after installing the exhaust so this picture also shows the clearance I have with the cross member).
With the transmission in place, I installed the brass colored ring on the shifter from the inside of the vehicle. I'm glad I took the time to file away at the side of the shifter base yesterday. Despite the work to realign the transmission to the driver side, it seemed to gravitate to about the same spot. The filing gave me at least 1/8" of clearance which will be plenty as the transmission should not rock side to side much.
I then installed the lower shift rod on the equalizer bar. This morning I read a little about the proper was to adjust it. My approach has always been to just lightly put pressure against the throw out bearing lever. A few individuals state more preload is needed to avoid grinding placing the transmission in reverse. I'm not sure why that would be so I just adjusted it as I normally do and will keep in mind it might need some additional adjustments.
I adjusted it to where there the throw out bearing would be touching but there would be no preload. I read a little on this and many state this is needed for the transmission to shift into reverse without grinding. I'll start with this and decide if it needs to be adjusted further. If it is not necessary, I'd rather loosen it up some so that the throw out bearing does not wear excessively by always spinning.
I then reconnected the parking brake lines and worked on the exhaust. The exhaust went in a little easier than I expected. I purchased new collector gaskets and installed them using the Prematex copper RTV. Finally, I reinstalled my O2 sensor.
The last of task of the day was to pick up the drive shaft. BVD appears to have done an excellent job decreasing the length from 51" to 50". They welded the end of the driveshaft back on by hand but it is so perfect you would think a machine did the work.
They balanced the driveshaft as well. They removed both the rectangle weights put on by the factory and just installed one set of weights side by side at the front. I'm not sure why but they removed the weight from the rear end side and did not put another one on. I'm hopeful technology provides a better balance and even this small change will make it a little smoother but it is probably just wishful thinking.
I sanded the drive shaft down with 220 grit sand paper. It is really humid (misting rain) and cold today. I decided to go ahead and top coat it with another coat of Eastwood's Chassis Black. I'm not sure how the paint will turn out but I want to finish up the project by the end of the weekend and the weather is not suppose to change.
At this point, I'm waiting on the 17 tooth speedometer gear which should arrive in the mail today. Additionally, I need to wire up the reverse lights. Once I do these two things and put in the driveshaft I could realistically go for a drive.
No comments:
Post a Comment