tmr416's '99 XLT 4.0L 4x4 Build

[tmr416]

Slowly but surely plugging along!!!

This thing is gonna be tall.

I'm wiped from all the work I've been putting on this thing but I am learning so many new skills. I got the rear tires on today and it was such a morale booster to see the back end sit under its own weight again.

The one thing I keep telling everyone who asks me about it is, I'm gonna get it all back together - but it might explode when I go to start it we shall see!!!

Now it's just so many details. I realized that I am an idiot (but I also checked the factory service manual multiple times and saw nothing) because I didn't install the dipstick tube and dipstick. I went to try and get it in but it's at an awkward angle. Got underneath the truck and realized that my oil pan is covering the hole in the block anyways. I'm kind of pissed because I think with how crowded it is with brake lines, the exhaust manifold, steering column, wires etc. I might as well pull the motor, get it back on a stand, and flip it to be able to move the oil pan around to clearance the dipstick tube. Pretty annoying but hey, first time engine building things I guess. Just trying to remind myself to have patience and go slow and don't get pissed the f*** off, haha.

Anyways! That's all for now. Thanks for following along. I'm having fun keeping this log.

 

[SenorNoob]

How does the oil pan cover the dipstick hole? That's a new one..

 

[tmr416]

How does the oil pan cover the dipstick hole? That's a new one..

Am I looking in the wrong area? I'm not seeing anything about it in the factory manual for engine assembly... I'll flip through more pages and do some more research online. Cursing myself that I didn't take a few more detailed photos of the motor before I pulled it all apart...

 

[tmr416]

How does the oil pan cover the dipstick hole? That's a new one..

Update - did some more googling and read that it hides behind the motor mount plate. Pulled the motor and put the tube in... kind of frustrating that I needed to pull the engine again after getting it in, but it wasn't that hard to pull back out (I left the wiring harness on and just disconnected it from the firewall) and I'm glad I did anyways because I also forgot to put the engine backing plate on.

Thought at first that wouldn't be such a big deal, but then thought about it and realized that if that 1/16th or whatever of material wasn't there, it could mess up spacing with the starter, clutch, etc. so figure it's best to put it on.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Update - did some more googling and read that it hides behind the motor mount plate. Pulled the motor and put the tube in... kind of frustrating that I needed to pull the engine again after getting it in, but it wasn't that hard to pull back out (I left the wiring harness on and just disconnected it from the firewall) and I'm glad I did anyways because I also forgot to put the engine backing plate on.

Thought at first that wouldn't be such a big deal, but then thought about it and realized that if that 1/16th or whatever of material wasn't there, it could mess up spacing with the starter, clutch, etc. so figure it's best to put it on.

That plate makes sure that the starter is in the correct position to engage the flexplate or flywheel. Without it I think you would have a terrible time starting the vehicle.

 

[tmr416]

Rear end under its own weight!

Front end getting close! Steering rack and front differential in.

 

[tmr416]

More progress!!!

- Engine almost all the way buttoned up. Electrical, water plumbing, vacuum lines all coming along
- Drivetrain completely in this weekend. Getting the transmission mounted again took the longest. Had to shake it a ton, but it seated. Got the t-case and drive shafts back on and started to realize: holy shit, I'm going to finish this truck!

Now it's all just details - getting last pieces hooked back up, tying up loose ends, etc.

Going backpacking with a friend this weekend but hoping to be turning the key on this thing and trying to get it started next week!!!

 

[SenorNoob]

What is that saying? Oh yeah, the last 10% is 90% of the work. LOL

Seriously, nice work so far. We need a video once you get it back together..