Build The Gray Ghost - My slow build

[White Stripe]

For the rear main seal and oil pan gasket I would definitely consider pulling the engine trans and tcase. Then I would replace every hose and seal on them. I would also replace that load sensing proportioning valve and install a new hardware kit on its linkage.

 

[Xpnsv72fj]

Got a little done today. The C-channels are finally out and I only have two small spots to repair on the frame where it rusted though. I also got the front axle out. So now it’s clean up time and get rid of all the loose rust. Then paint everything with rust bullet.

 

[Xpnsv72fj]

Cleaning up the frame today and getting ready to paint it with rust bullet. Overall I'm very pretty happy with how the frame looks. The PO had sprayed some kind of undercoating on it which seemed to protect it. I also drained the transmission in preparation to pull it. The fluid looked new and I didn't see any metal shavings on the drain plug which is a great sign!

How important are the heat shields under the car? Mine are in very bad shape and I don't think I will be able to save them.

 

[Xpnsv72fj]

 

[Xpnsv72fj]

 

[Xpnsv72fj]

who makes the best patch panel?

 

[kirvesmies]

who makes the best patch panels? you ask.
you do, take your time n if you don't like it, carve it out n do it again.
a number of years ago when i formed an' installed both rockers on my '85 xtra cab, my body guy asked "where'd you buy these?" i was about 12 hrs in forming them and about 8 hrs with a buddy to get em in

 

[Xpnsv72fj]

Well, when I said slow build, I meant really slow! Between COVID and 3 kids, and the 40, my 62 has been untouched for almost three years. The good news is it has been inside the whole time, just waiting as I finished the 40. The 40 is now up and driving again, so I will move on to the 62. So now my first question for the experts? Has anyone ever taken the motor and trans out by lifting the body and frame around it? My suspension is completely removed so it won't be in the way. At first glance, it looks possible.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Xpnsv72fj]

Upon further inspection, it would be a ton of work to get it to clear the driver's side motor mount. So hopefully, I'll pull the trans and engine sperate sometime next week. I'll do my best to take pictures and document as I go.

 

[White Stripe]

Well, when I said slow build, I meant really slow! Between COVID and 3 kids, and the 40, my 62 has been untouched for almost three years. The good news is it has been inside the whole time, just waiting as I finished the 40. The 40 is now up and driving again, so I will move on to the 62. So now my first question for the experts? Has anyone ever taken the motor and trans out by lifting the body and frame around it? My suspension is completely removed so it won't be in the way. At first glance, it looks possible.

Thanks in advance!

Not worth it. Pull it from the top is best in my opinion.

 

[Xpnsv72fj]

As I wait for random parts to come in, I've got a question for the experts. Is the auto a weak point in these? From what I can tell, my 62 was well-maintained before I got it and had clean fluid when I drained it. However, I don't want to pull this thing apart to have to take it apart again a year or two down the road. All that being said I'm trying not to let this build get out of control, so a 5-speed might be a little much at this point.

I plan on working on her tomorrow and will try to get some pictures as I know that is what we all love!

Let me know what you think.

 

[Xpnsv72fj]

Tear down so far.

 

[Xpnsv72fj]

Made some head way today. Started removing smog equipment. Cleaned up and painted a bunch of parts and installed my rear c-channels. For those of you who haven’t done your c-channels let me tell you it a hell of a job.

All that being said I’m really enjoying working on the 62 again. Next up pulling the engine and transmission.

 

[BurntToast]

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Any idea where that non-chrome grill came from?

 

[Xpnsv72fj]

Any idea where that non-chrome grill came from?

My grill was in pretty bad shape so I just sanded it down and painted it flat black.

 

[diesellibrarian]

Is the auto a weak point in these?

Lots of people hate on the A440, and while it's true that they do to some extent suck the life out of the 3FE and are finicky when it comes to fluid levels, they're also pretty hard to kill. What does eventually kill them is heat, so lots of folks run an auxiliary trans cooler to supplement the stock cooler that's in the rad.

The A440 torque converter has a lockup feature that kicks in at around 50mph, so that helps make highway driving more pleasant. You can also get an upgraded valve body (assuming they're still available) that is supposed to improve driveability.

A 5-speed is the dream, but it's a pretty big job and $$$. My plan for my 62 is to run the auto and if it craps out at some point, consider an H55f swap.

 

[Xpnsv72fj]

Lots of people hate on the A440, and while it's true that they do to some extent suck the life out of the 3FE and are finicky when it comes to fluid levels, they're also pretty hard to kill. What does eventually kill them is heat, so lots of folks run an auxiliary trans cooler to supplement the stock cooler that's in the rad.

The A440 torque converter has a lockup feature that kicks in at around 50mph, so that helps make highway driving more pleasant. You can also get an upgraded valve body (assuming they're still available) that is supposed to improve driveability.

A 5-speed is the dream, but it's a pretty big job and $$$. My plan for my 62 is to run the auto and if it craps out at some point, consider an H55f swap.

Good to know. I briefly looked at 5-speed options and it’s just too much at this point. I’ve been reading up on trans coolers so I might go that route. For now I’ll follow your plan and ride the auto till she dies.

 

[Xpnsv72fj]

Little help.

Can someone refresh my memory. It’s been a while.

Does this look right. All my parts got mixed up and I’m trying to make sure I’ve got the right shackles up front.

The one in my hand would go in the back. They look almost exactly the same.



Thanks

 

[BrickRunner]

Little help.

Can someone refresh my memory. It’s been a while.

Does this look right. All my parts got mixed up and I’m trying to make sure I’ve got the right shackles up front.

The one in my hand would go in the back. They look almost exactly the same.



Thanks
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I just installed my front ones last night. I don't have the instructions in front of me, but I believe the fronts are thinner, 6mm, vs 8mm on the rear.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Generally speaking, the taller (GS1) go in the rear and the shorter (GS2) go in the front. However dimensionally they will interchange so you can use the tall front/short rear or any combination thereof to adjust rake.