Recent content by oldsmoky

I like the engineering and handling of this truck, although it really needs bushings; And ball joints. I managed an egr delete cause I cant find a pipe: the hole in the exhaust manifold is 37/64 plus a few thou. Takes a 3/8npt tap and flat brass plug really well and you can restore it when...

No life from the radio, hitting it did turn on a dash light which gave my and my son a good laugh. Got the oil leak sorted I had managed to push the cam seal in too far and it was catching oil. Took it for a rip over some icy rutted roads at high speed today and I swear it runs, drives and...

All Right! the MAF was the problem. Bought a Beck/Arnley replacement. First thing I noticed were the little wire filaments...the old one had NONE! ? A/T light is gone, check engine light is gone and No codes. Runs like a completely different truck. Has an oil leak somewhere around the oil...

Thanks Symmetry, I am slowly putting a 4m40 kit together, it seems to make the most sense to me. N thanks for the link, looks like a complicated swap. Well she is back on the road! Took way longer than expected but so goes life with two teenagers. Throws codes for the MAF/BARO and TPS and runs...

Yep you are probably right. I think 10k for adapting it to the truck is a bit high, but it would be a LOT of work. I am still focused on the 4m40 swap, I have engine and glow control parts intercooler etc, just need engine and transmission. I had been looking for a front cut but that may no...

Just got a quote for a valve job and head cleaning 480$ What a deal. Should be back to me in a couple weeks stay tuned... or not? Cheers.

Well after getting the extremely clean looking head under the light it has two bad exhaust valves. Just ordered a couple OEM valves and the heads are off to the machinist for a valve job this week. All surfaces cleaned up well, block sanded the deck last night and it looks super. Did not want to...

Well the images from my fancy new iphone are too dang big to post, Had to shrink em. Heads are off, pistons and bores are clean. The driver's head with the obvious bad composite gasket was first to come off. The head still looks good, face is flat and I can turn the cams easily, valves have...

I really like the platform. R2.8 at 160hp, 310 lb/ft 503lbs. The crate engine comes with PS, alt, etc. Adaptors for GM, Dodge, and Toyota trans and they can turn 30+ mpg in a lifted jeep on 38's. Whats not to like. The 9k price tag is high but not that bad, sure would be cool in a monty.

Well with work and 2 kids this build is getting off to a slower start than I had hoped. I remember when I would wrench 10hrs straight, now I'm lucky if I get 10mins without getting called away. I bought this truck with no title, but now have a freshly minted MT title thanks to the great State...

MLS= Multi Layer Steel. MLS gaskets are usually labeled as such.

Ahh the power of a ************** with wrench. I once poured 3 gallons of motor oil on a trip across America after a inspired genius wrecked the new valve cover gasket he was supposed to install and just smeared a bunch of RTV on the valve cover :ROFLMAO: That is a bugger having to remove the valve...

There are several on ebay currently.

Nice progress Charlie, I bet you are glad you cut that header . I love the speed wrenches BTW. Keep up the good work!

Not my advice: it comes from my old mechanic: Estimate the spot on the bottom of the tank where the pickup sits, use a socket on a extension if you have to, and...you guessed it. "Hit it with a Hammer." I think that accurately summarizes most of the advice I've provided so far. Worked like a...