This is a bit overdue but thought I'd give an initial ride report after the successful tranny swap on my 80. In short, it's awesome! There are still a couple kinks to work out but Johnny will have her over the weekend for some finishing touches. Here's a pic of my pretty new console:
First and second gears are really short. I'm definitely not going to take anyone off the line which is a noticeable difference from the stock transmission. With the PWR button on I had some serious get-up-and-go when I needed it. However, third and fourth gears are really tall with lots of pull throughout the power band. Hills that would've bogged down the auto have no effect at all with the H151. I haven't towed anything yet but I imagine I'll be able to run up any hill I encounter with a full trailer and still be able to pass if I have to. Huge difference! Speaking of that tall gearing, I've been on the freeway just humming along in fourth gear without realizing it. It takes a lot of speed before you start winding it out.
The main reason for the swap in the first place was the problem I had reversing up hills. The tranny would slip and the truck would buck and kick unless I was in 4-lo. I'm happy to report that that isn't an issue any longer.
The transfer case shifter was on backorder so I haven't been able to put her in 4-lo yet. I think Johnny has that in now and it'll go on this weekend. Hopefully I'll get to put the truck through its paces at Logan's Run next month! (Johnny, you might want to bring spare parts for both our trucks buddy.
The pièce de résistance is the custom crossmember/skid plate that Johnny fabricated. This thing is solid! Here it is in its full glory.
And here's one of my favorite pics that Johnny took during the build. How's that for strong?
Unfortunately, the truck started running rough and my engine light came on just before we began this project. That still needs to be addressed and I'm due for an inspection very soon. Hopefully this isn't going to also turn into an diesel engine swap. Not that I'm against the idea but I'm just a little bit out of money and not ready for another stretch of time without my truck. We'll see...
First and second gears are really short. I'm definitely not going to take anyone off the line which is a noticeable difference from the stock transmission. With the PWR button on I had some serious get-up-and-go when I needed it. However, third and fourth gears are really tall with lots of pull throughout the power band. Hills that would've bogged down the auto have no effect at all with the H151. I haven't towed anything yet but I imagine I'll be able to run up any hill I encounter with a full trailer and still be able to pass if I have to. Huge difference! Speaking of that tall gearing, I've been on the freeway just humming along in fourth gear without realizing it. It takes a lot of speed before you start winding it out.
The main reason for the swap in the first place was the problem I had reversing up hills. The tranny would slip and the truck would buck and kick unless I was in 4-lo. I'm happy to report that that isn't an issue any longer.
The transfer case shifter was on backorder so I haven't been able to put her in 4-lo yet. I think Johnny has that in now and it'll go on this weekend. Hopefully I'll get to put the truck through its paces at Logan's Run next month! (Johnny, you might want to bring spare parts for both our trucks buddy.
The pièce de résistance is the custom crossmember/skid plate that Johnny fabricated. This thing is solid! Here it is in its full glory.
And here's one of my favorite pics that Johnny took during the build. How's that for strong?
Unfortunately, the truck started running rough and my engine light came on just before we began this project. That still needs to be addressed and I'm due for an inspection very soon. Hopefully this isn't going to also turn into an diesel engine swap. Not that I'm against the idea but I'm just a little bit out of money and not ready for another stretch of time without my truck. We'll see...
