Builds Chicago builds a 40

[chicago]

You need more flex at the foot or adapter plate itself. Having the rubber mounts all the way at the ends of the x-member gives you very little flex.

Georg

So whats the fix for it??
Actually, the ends of the x member are hard mounted. The rubber mount IS under the feet of the 203 adapter.
Do I need softer bushings under there, or maybe loosen the bolts so they're not so compressed??

Thanks for the input!!

K

 

[chicago]

Got it all apart. Only took about 2.5 hours to get the t cases on the floor.
So as suspected, the 4 bolts are in fact just coming loose. They were all barely finger tight.
There are NO lock nuts on the bolts??
I'm thinking there should be, but I'm not sure.

First pic is of the gap between the adapter and the trans!!

Next is of the t case side o the adapter and the four MOTHER FU@KING bolts!!

 

[kling-on]

Red Loc-tite on em ??? And they still come loose

Sent from outer space via my mind

 

[orangefj45]

1) did you use loctite on the bolts?! You HAVE TO USE RED LOCTITE!!!!

2) the bolts are coming loose because the engine is moving more ( twisting ) than the 203 adapter allows. The junction at the trans is the weakest link in the chain. That's why it's coming loose and leaking there.

3) you need more flex between the 203 adapter and the x-member. There's different ways this can be done but I think the best way would be to utilize a factory style ( either OEM, OEM replacement or poly ) transmission mount from a GM RWD or 4wd truck. Only issue with this is the fact that the mounts are tall so the x-member would hang down lower unless you modify the 203 adapter.


If it were me, I'd try to create a steel bracket that ties the 203 adapter, 4-to-6 bolt adapter and the trans case together. You should be able to do so by utilizing the existing holes in the bottom of the adapters and trans case. Then bolt a GM style mount to the bottom of that bracket and you should be good to go.

Hth

Georg

 

[cruiserjunkie]

You HAVE TO USE RED LOCTITE!!!!

If it were me, I'd try to create a steel bracket that ties the 203 adapter, 4-to-6 bolt adapter and the trans case together. You should be able to do so by utilizing the existing holes in the bottom of the adapters and trans case. Then bolt a GM style mount to the bottom of that bracket and you should be good to go.

Hth

Georg

this is an excellent idea and with Chicago skills I can't wait to see finished product.

 

[chicago]

1) did you use loctite on the bolts?! You HAVE TO USE RED LOCTITE!!!!

2) the bolts are coming loose because the engine is moving more ( twisting ) than the 203 adapter allows. The junction at the trans is the weakest link in the chain. That's why it's coming loose and leaking there.

3) you need more flex between the 203 adapter and the x-member. There's different ways this can be done but I think the best way would be to utilize a factory style ( either OEM, OEM replacement or poly ) transmission mount from a GM RWD or 4wd truck. Only issue with this is the fact that the mounts are tall so the x-member would hang down lower unless you modify the 203 adapter.

If it were me, I'd try to create a steel bracket that ties the 203 adapter, 4-to-6 bolt adapter and the trans case together. You should be able to do so by utilizing the existing holes in the bottom of the adapters and trans case. Then bolt a GM style mount to the bottom of that bracket and you should be good to go.

Hth

Georg

Well... I did use lock tight, but it was blue. I'll use the red next time around.
So you think tying the trans and 203 will help keep the whole drive line moving in unison? I'll look at it and see if there's something I can come up with.
I'm thinking I've got the mount wrenched down too tight too, like you're saying, so the rubber mounts that are under there are too stiff.
Rusty dan brought up the idea of using two rubber mounts on the bolt. So one under the x member at the bolt head and the one under the feet?
Or... Might run a longer bolt, and set the tension w/ a nylock nut.

Thanks for the input!!

 

[Slowerthanu]

I'm sure you know this but when applying loctite, make sure the threads and the bolts are DRY and completely free of oil.

Use red, blue won't cut it with the amount of torque going through that area.

 

[chicago]

Okay... So everything's down.
Discovered that 3 of the 4 bolt threads were pulled. So mace, props to you!!
So went down to summit and got a helicoil kit threw those bitches in and mocked the plate up and it seems to be good in that regard.
Then I got into the x member mount situation.
Talked with locrawlin and rusty dan about what Georg said...well... I'll just post up pics of what I came up with.
The bushings I had WERE the OEM replacement style bushings for the 203. However, there is a LOWER HALF to it that I thought I wouldn't need and a through sleeve. I hogged out the hole where the existing bolts I had were and ran the top and bottom bushings just as the motor mounts are and just as the OEM design is for the 203 mount.
IT SHOULD WORK!!! just mounted on the bench in the vice it has play.

So that's where it's at.

Gimme any thoughts if ya get em.

 

[peesalot]

I would give ya my thoughts but you will just give the credit to Mace.
FYI the bolts you are using to mount the adapter may be made of much harder material than the adapter so lock washers will not work, lock tite when applied properly will due. could fathom use of safety wire as well.

 

[gothodgie]

Chicago i just want to thank you for working all this out before i do my motor and trans swap... I'll be going to a t400 with 203 and split case and i think you have saved me some head scratchin in the future...

 

[chicago]

I would give ya my thoughts but you will just give the credit to Mace.
FYI the bolts you are using to mount the adapter may be made of much harder material than the adapter so lock washers will not work, lock tite when applied properly will due. could fathom use of safety wire as well.

Oooops.... Sorry pee's!!
I thought it was mace who brought that up!!

Apologies!!

 

[chicago]

Chicago i just want to thank you for working all this out before i do my motor and trans swap... I'll be going to a t400 with 203 and split case and i think you have saved me some head scratchin in the future...

Yeah man!!
Part of the reason I like to do build/ mod threads is to give back to the community here!!
You're going to like that dual case.
It's a whole New world.
It is a bit finicky, though. I've found that when you wanna shift the 203 in gear most times you've gotta shut the rig down to do it. Sometimes you can get it with the trans in neutral and rolling a bit.
I'd really liked to have gotten an atlas, but 4 grand is a LOT OF MONEY!!! this is a good set up for the cost.
Re the mount... I really hope it works like I think it should.
I got those mounts from Summit. They are transfer case mounts for the 203 and they're like 24 bucks for the set. I just wish I had looked into the mount situation harder when I originally did it. Aaaaaah well!!

 

[chicago]

All back together and ready to wheel next weekend!!

First pic is of the rubber mounts that I used. You can see they protrude through the x member plate which is what allows the flex to happen.
Hopefully it'll work.

Next is the x member in and everything in place.

 

[kling-on]

Nice work ... I would love to have your 40 it's super sick .., great job on it

Sent from outer space via my mind

 

[chicago]

Nice work ... I would love to have your 40 it's super sick .., great job on it

Sent from outer space via my mind

YOU TOO can have a rig like mine!!

Thanks brother. Hopefully that new mount arrangement fixes the problem.

 

[orangefj45]

Hopefully that'll give you more flex. But you still need to tie the adapter and trans together.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya.

Georg

 

[chicago]

Hopefully that'll give you more flex. But you still need to tie the adapter and trans together.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya.

Georg

Thanks man.
Well see what happens. The wife was a little pissed that I was back in the shop wrenching when there's s*** needs to be done around the house, so I'm Rollin the dice on what I did.
Suppose I'll know after next weekend.
If the same thing happens again, shell be down for a while and I'll re design everything.
Thanks for the input!

K

 

[rusty_tlc]

Thanks man.
Well see what happens. The wife was a little pissed that I was back in the shop wrenching when there's s*** needs to be done around the house, so I'm Rollin the dice on what I did.
Suppose I'll know after next weekend.
If the same thing happens again, shell be down for a while and I'll re design everything.
Thanks for the input!

K

5 weeks til Rubicon.... no pressure though.

 

[chicago]

5 weeks til Rubicon.... no pressure though.

Lol... Youre right, since I'm ready to roll!!
As far as I'm concerned its fixed till she goes on the rag again!!

 

[chicago]

Half doors on and wired for sound!!
Soft to OFF!! ready for the "season"!