[Dieselwrencher]

Here is a more detailed progress report. This past weekend was pretty progressive. I dug my NP205 out of the snow and put it on the trans to mock up the engine this time. Man that SOB was a PITA because I left the carrier bearing cross member in the frame. There isn't a lot of room for the tcase to go straight up, then in. You have to put the tcase up and rest it on the cross member first, then lift it up and stick it on the trans. I had to get my brother to help me the second time.

Next up was to build a new engine cross member. I used 4" C channel and boxed the ends. I added a 1/4" plate on the top to attach the channel to my old cross member mounts in the frame. Welded it all up, ground it, and primed and painted it. I wish it went as fast as it reads. Next I had to drill out my axle housing vent because coming back from KC last fall, my old cross member was too close to the diff and smashed the vent. It broke the end of the fitting off in the housing. I got it drilled and tapped, now I just have to get a new fitting.





I installed a different exhaust manifold and put my new turbo on. I don't like how close to the heater box it is, so I'm thinking about going a different route. I'm thinking about going back to the industrial manifold but I will need a T4 to T3 adapter.

I also had my brother help me put the 04 dodge seat in the cab. It actually fit better than I figured it would. I will have to modify the brackets so i can get the seat where I want it.




One other thing I did do last week and I haven't posted the pics of, is the emblems. Here is the RH fender. I haven't done the LH yet.



Now for the good bad and ugly. My drear drive shaft will only need shortened and maybe a different weldment installed for a bigger rear u-joint. My front shaft from the 92 dodge is really bad. It will need totally rebuilt. I have one from a chevy but it will need to be lengthened. The real bad deal lies in the transmission. I decided to go ahead and have my Dad rebuild it. We tore it apart, and it is a good thing we did. The trans was initially assembled incorrectly and did not have enough end play. This caused the front drum to put a lot of pressure on the intermediate shaft and it ruined the intermediate shaft and thrust washer. The low/reverse clutches are fried, and numerous other thrust washers are worn severely, a sun gear and drum is bad, and 2 planetary assemblies are bad. Yee haw.