Builds 12HT into a 55 (1 Viewer)

[CenTXFJ60]

So I’m working on the T-Case. Doing a rebuild and converting to a mechanical case. Dam cheap bits from Home Depot broke off in the case. Have a spare so did not panic. Was more pissed as this could have been a big hassle. Regardless, was able to break it flush and punch it through to the inside. Taking my time on the case. Picked up the conversion kit from cruiser outfitters. Has everything except the dang 15mm tap. Try finding one of those in a store/supply house? Ended up doing the 14MM as others have done here on MUd. Work has been real busy so it’s cutting into my free time as I have to do honey do’s before I hit the barn .

 

[PabloCruise]

Try these guys:

Drillsandcutters.com

 

[CenTXFJ60]

Just about done with the case. And it’s now officially a mechanical case. Got rid of the vac system . Will button it up by next weekend then get rolling on baselining (seals, gaskets, Hosea etc) the motor. Hope to be stabbing it by thanksgiving will have plenty of time off from work that week.

 

[samtoddlee]

View attachment 1801893 View attachment 1801894 View attachment 1801895 View attachment 1801896 I should back up. Here’s the truck as it came to me. Also, the black 61 is the donor truck.

I know that cruiser yard!

 

[CenTXFJ60]

Finishing up the twin stick install (killer product BTW) and baselining the motor. The darn pushrod cover gaskets are like concrete. Soaking them overnight and will see about getting them off manana. Glad we did the water pump as well. The old one was just about frozen. Rear main seal will be the last thing and then start getting the motor/trans into the truck. Have not stabbed a 55 before so this will take a bit more time for me. Won’t rush it to ensure everything aligns correctly. I expect some creativity will be required with the plumbing, wiring etc.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

And the turbo had some oil pooling on the outbound side. Talked to Parrish and he’s in agreement that we get it rebuilt/resealed while its out of the truck. My local shop (M&D )was around $675 for my turbo last year. Networking to see if we can find a cheaper (and quality) job elsewhere.

 

[OGBeno]

Great work so far Jim.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

Found a good machine shop 7 miles from my house. Dropped the flywheel off to see what they are all about. Turns out it’s a husband and wife that have been in business for 30 years. Recently moved their shop from San Antonio out to where we live. Good news is they know what they are doing. Gave them the turbo as well. I finished baselining the motor. The pilot bearing was a bear on this one. Borrowed a friends puller and it was no problem.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Nice stuff Jim!!! Can eat off that shop floor!!!

 

[dogfishlake]

View attachment 1843573 View attachment 1843574 View attachment 1843575 View attachment 1843576 Found a good machine shop 7 miles from my house. Dropped the flywheel off to see what they are all about. Turns out it’s a husband and wife that have been in business for 30 years. Recently moved their shop from San Antonio out to where we live. Good news is they know what they are doing. Gave them the turbo as well. I finished baselining the motor. The pilot bearing was a bear on this one. Borrowed a friends puller and it was no problem.

Nice resource. I've been to a couple of machine shops around me and just haven't found that "warm and fuzzy" feeling. One of them is pretty good but now they are getting out of machine work and getting into more fabricating.

Hard to take rare engine pieces to somebody that has no idea what it is.

 

[scrapdaddy]

The pilot bearing was a bear on this one. Borrowed a friends puller and it was no problem.

What, bread didn't work.

 

[dogfishlake]

What, bread didn't work.

Always wanted to try that one.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

What, bread didn't work.

Great call out. Was talking to @roma042987 yesterday and he asked the same thing. Says it’s the only method he uses.

 

[roma042987]

Didn’t know you started this thread Jimmy, nice work. Try a wire wheel on those side cover gaskets. If they’re really hard a knotted wire wheel on an angle grinder works even better.

 

[dogfishlake]

Didn’t know you started this thread Jimmy, nice work. Try a wire wheel on those side cover gaskets. If they’re really hard a knotted wire wheel on an angle grinder works even better.

View attachment 1843854

Or maybe a Roloc disc?

 

[roma042987]

Or maybe a Roloc disc?

Those work pretty good too but the paper gasket on those side covers is really thick and that wire wheel makes quick work of it. Works good on 2f oil pan gaskets too

 

[CenTXFJ60]

@too tall
So the 55 frame is 1.5” narrower that the 60. Curious what you did for mounts. Did you use the 61 (and modify them) mounts or make your own?

 

[CenTXFJ60]

 

[too tall]

@too tall
So the 55 frame is 1.5” narrower that the 60. Curious what you did for mounts. Did you use the 61 (and modify them) mounts or make your own?

IIRC I cut the engine mounts from an hj frame equally the same amount each side so the engine would end up in relatively the same position in the narrower frame . Here are a couple of pics without the engine mounted

 

[CenTXFJ60]

These pictures are great. On the 60 they are flush with the top of the frame. I thought that would put the motor too high and your pictures validate that. Really appreciate your quick response.