Finally have to pull the trans.

[fastpakr]

I really don't think it's a concern either way. To date, I've never heard a story of any damage caused by one separating. And those that have removed theirs don't notice significant vibration...

 

[9723]

Yesterday, I started to put the exhaust back and discovered I'd forgotten to install the exhaust hanger that goes on the rear transmission mount. That took a little time. I also put in the shifter plate and shifter. The O2 sensors are in but I didn't connect the upstream sensor. With my new extension, I want to take my time zip tying the extra length of wire... somewhere. Bolt the fan shroud, put the starter in and fire it up, before taking it off the blocks so if I need to tighten it......the exhaust.

 

[fastpakr]

It's coming together quickly. Great job on the repair work!

 

[RobbieD]

Good job. It has been a hard-fought battle, but you're about there.

 

[9723]

...on the battery charger.

 

[9723]

One lever of confidence comes from:

Every single bolt, nut or fastener I take off goes into a labeled ziplock bag and into a tub. At least that way I know I haven't missed anything. Haha, I learned that the hard way.

 

[9723]

It started easily, sounded like the exhsust is tight and went in first gear easily. It's never done that. 20 years ago when I bought it, 1st gear was touchy to get, even at a dead stop....it never got worse so I was careful with it....sure went into 1st much better now.

... gonna check the gear oil in the diff before I take it off the blocks. I've got R-Purple gear oil on-hand.

 

[RobbieD]

Great! Hope to hear soon that you have had a good test drive.

 

[9723]

Great! Hope to hear soon that you have had a good test drive.

Yes last evening, I pulled it out, washed it and drove it to the convenience store for a pint of ice cream. The trip is only 6 miles, but includes 4 miles of interstate at 60-65 mph.

Doesn't look 24 years old, does it?

It works better then the entire 20 years I've had it. I'd always thought the syncros between 1-2-3 were worn out, but no. They work fine. It was the the slave/throwout that wasn't fully actuating.....the whole time. It's surprising it worked for 20 years, but I was always very careful with it, either matching the clutch/engine rpms or waiting till a full stop to put it in 1st.

I want to thank everyone that helped with advice, experience and encouragement. It made a big difference.

Thanks!

I have one other very different issue I've started a thread on here:

Actuator door stuck on heat?

I have a '97 2.3 xlt that's stuck on full blast heat. I've tried to look at the vacuum lines and haven't seen any that look like they're leaking....can't be sure about that tho. What I'm asking is, where is the actuator (or blend) door? If I move the control knob to "anywhere", regardless of...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[RobbieD]

It works better then the entire 20 years I've had it.

Good for you, man. You earned it!