[HJ47]

Kevin,

Yes, the forward top-loader for the 40 series is worth every cent. The underground 5 speeds are pretty good too, I reckon. My first 5 speed was from up your way out of a mine BJ42. I re-built it, put an H input shaft on it (the B input shaft is quite a bit longer and fine-splined), and put it in Patches (I've since replaced it with a new 5 speed, but my old one belongs to a friend now, and is still good). The 5th gear did not even look like it had been used when I re-built the box.

What will you do for a parking brake once you put the 5 speed in? On the newer (81-84) full floaters, you can bolt the 60 series backing plates on, weld the hand brake tabs on, and have the brake at the rear. I am not sure if the same is true of the pre-81 full floaters.

On Patches I put the transfer case unit on from my old split case 4 speed, but yours is different (being a non-split case). I personally prefer the rear axle handbrake, but I don't live with all the salt you guys do, and I understand many up North prefer the transfer case unit.

What are you doing for power steering- 60 series? If your engine re-build is anything like the rest of your work, that should be one nice engine when you are done.

Cheers,

Josh