94 FZJ80 6.2 conversion begins!

[kcustom73]

To bad about the tranny setup. Must be driving you nuts not being able to drive it. I'm hoping that having everything come from the same vehicle will make things a little easier when I do the swap. Don't give up.

 

[rtarh2o]

You are definitely doing it the right way. I think if I ever do it again I will pay someone to come over and help make sure the trans is hooked up right. I wasn't aware that you are supposed to slide the converter on the shaft then install the engine and rotate the engine to bolt the flex plate to the converter. It didn't seem possible, shows how much I know. Fortunately the guy ran the exhaust on the sides of the trans so he won't have to pull it off. It should be a fairly simple removal for someone with a lift and some knowledge.
I am getting a little excited about driving it but I did get about 25 miles on it this week, that was fun. Like I said though, I really couldn't tell much about the engine since the transmission was so bad.
Rusty

 

[Chas Stricker]

Don't feel bad Rusty sometimes its hard to get the torque converter in all the way even when its on the ground in front of you. If it didn't hurt the ears on the converter or the pump face, I doubt that it hurt the internals.
Chas

 

[rtarh2o]

I just wish I had more options of where to take it, I know the guys that had it for a month will do a good job just worried they will take awhile again but at least I know it will be right and one less thing I need to work on. There are a few things I need to order before driving it much anyway, this will give me a chance to get the parts.
Will post more when I know something, I am hoping it is not going to cost a whole lot but I am expecting around $500 at least, expensive lesson to learn.
Rusty

 

[Chas Stricker]

Rusty any news yet?

 

[rtarh2o]

They finally got it up on the lift Friday, told me they were going to try to get it out next week! I think they feel a little bad about taking so long last time. I am excited about finally getting to drive it with a correct shifting transmission, I am sure it will make a world of difference. I am trying to get a few parts gathered for things I need to do when I get it back (alternator & battery cables, crank pulley, belts, fan shroud, etc) Most of these I can do in an afternoon. I am anxious to get it out on a road trip and off road to see what it will do!
Will keep you posted.
Rusty

 

[fzjconvert]

what day is it?

 

[rtarh2o]

That was last Friday, the 14th they got it on the lift. I have been busy this week and haven't had a chance to go check on it but hope to this afternoon. I am not really expecting anything to have been done from their track record with me but maybe I will be surprised. Will post more if anything happens. Rusty

 

[Chas Stricker]

Do they read this forum? Ooooooops.

 

[rchalmers3]

Sorry man, that sux. Thanks for putting it on the line. The rest of us are pulling for a happy ending.

Rick

 

[rtarh2o]

Checked on transmission yesterday, they were cleaning the shop and were caught up on everything that was putting so far behind. They said they were going to get my trans pulled later and see how bad it is. I going back to check on it again in a little while so I will post back.
Rusty

 

[fzjconvert]

Hi Rusty,

So did the trans shop guy get his cooper re-pipe done at his shop and home. Now he's a fixing to work on yu'r truck? Every time I check back on this thread. This cartoon is what comes to mind.

Anyway, really looking forward to reading that you are finally burning fuel... Good luck!

Dave

 

[rtarh2o]

It wouldn't have been as frustrating if they had been like the cartoon. They led me to believe the first time they had it in the shop that they would get on it right away. This time they have been a little more upfront with me and let me know it would be a bit before they could get to it. I checked on it Friday and they had the trans out and the pan off, the fluid looked grey, not a good sign, probably the clutches. I told them to just go through it and make it right, no sense not at this point. They were supposed to get it apart today and start with the install. I didn't check on it today but will swing by at lunch tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed that I can drive it home this week!
Rusty

 

[made4surf]

Sorry bout your luck Rusty, but that has to the slowest trans shop ever.

 

[rtarh2o]

They are slow, but we are in the south, everything is slow down here. I am going to check on it today, maybe they are working on it! Rusty

 

[Chas Stricker]

Rusty, any news?
Chas

 

[rtarh2o]

Believe it or not I had an employee out last week so I ended up working 12 hour days and never got a chance to go check on it! Now I am out of town until late tomorrow so probably won't know anything until Tuesday, I am hoping I will pick it up then. From there I plan to get it inspected, licensed and then probably straight to the A/C shop so it may out of my hands for another day or two. I am afraid if I don't do it now I may put it off too long and the A/C shop will get busy and it will spend another month there! I need to get it back soon, I am starting to consider converting another one!
Rusty

 

[fzjconvert]

any news?

 

[rtarh2o]

Still no news, I am planning to go check on it on the way to work in the morning and hopefully will be able to pick it up at lunch.
Will post tomorrow, can't wait to get some driving impressions and mileage numbers posted.
Rusty

 

[fzjconvert]

Good deal Rusty! If they don't have it done, maybe you should post thier info so wee can give them a mud slap.