1997 2WD XE - Rebuilding Dads Truck PII

[Project510]

I cant believe its March 31st and I still haven't got this thing up and running. I've given it my best try multiple times. Before I damage something beyond my ability to pay to fix, she going to a professional. Tow truck will arrive tomorrow at 8 am.

I just want to drive the truck. And also me and the boy want the garage space back.

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions and help anyone has suggested during my process. I'm bummed I couldn't do this all myself but in the end, I've been saving cash for 2 years for this specific issue just in case so... Well see how it goes.

Ill still have other little projects to do myself like suspension and stuff.

[jp2code]

Report back with what the issue was. I'm curious.

[Project510]

Originally Posted by jp2code

Report back with what the issue was. I'm curious.

Aside from the timing/starting issue they are also doing the clutch, front ball joint and control arm bushings and a few broken things I found when working on the truck.

[jp2code]

Originally Posted by Project510

Aside from the timing/starting issue they are also doing the clutch, front ball joint and control arm bushings and a few broken things I found when working on the truck.

So basically, you are sending some mechanic's kid through college.

[Reserector]

Originally Posted by Project510

I cant believe its March 31st and I still haven't got this thing up and running.

We're all very disappointed with your performance. You need to try harder...




I'm just yanking your chain. LOL

[Project510]

Originally Posted by jp2code

So basically, you are sending some mechanic's kid through college.

HAHA thankfully no, he's charging me a very fair price. My friend who recommended the shop to me however, he IS Definitely putting his kid through college. He's restoring a 72 F100 and is about $30,000 in so far including the cost of the truck.

Originally Posted by Reserector

We're all very disappointed with your performance. You need to try harder...




I'm just yanking your chain. LOL

Very fair, and very true. I was disappointed I couldn't get this figured out. I made the choice to go the mechanic route to avoid a possible error on my part that would cost me more money, or damage.

When the truck comes back it will be mechanically sound, and i will do the rear brakes, and have a full Belltech kit to install which I will do to appease the gods, and the forums members.

4/8/2022 Update:

Took the mechanic all of 90 mins to get the truck running. He said I just didn't have it aligned correctly which is exactly what i thought. Hes going to correct the rear main leak and change the clutch while in there and press out/in some control arm bushings. Assuming it doesn't take long to order a clutch and stuff looks like ill have the truck back in the next week or so.

Current mood: FUCKING EXCITED

[PorknBeans]

BRAVO ! I’m very excited for you! Nothing beats being excited about being excited!

It’s money well spent when you can’t or don’t have the time.

I look forward to reading your posts on your glory days driving around in your truck…

My glory day stories could go on forever, literally, from when my then blind date, whom is now my wife, to my boys making a fort in the king cab in the back with the jump seats, to driving my dogs around with me while they are on the front passenger seat with their ears and jowels flapping in the wind and other drivers looking and laughing and getting a kick from their faces blowing in the wind.

Those types of stories make for terrific memories to last forever.

[Project510]

My son who is now almost 6 already said he has to be the first to go for a drive in it. Its his truck, which he sort of knows.. but not fully. To him its still "gung gung's" truck (Gung gung is Cantonese for maternal grandpa, my son is half Chinese)

I just cant wait to drive it again with a nice and smooth ride now that everything will be replaced and running properly.

[Project510]

Rear main done
New clutch and flywheel
all new ball joints and control arm bushings (ES Bushings I provided)
Broken valve cover bolt extracted and replaced
broken exhaust manifold bolt removed and all were replaced

Mechanic said the truck is running great.
Found out the manifold is cracked almost in half. Who knows how long dad was driving it that way. Final stretch now, hope to have her home soon. Its taking a while as its an older man, working alone in between working on 50k restorations lol. Also, for clarity. with all the work, parts, labor I am at about $2300 in repairs factor in all I spent on wheels/tires and other parts I replaced and were close to $4k mostly, due to dad neglecting the truck and so many things being broken. Also, some irresponsible parts ordering on my part, and obviously the fact I had to have a mechanic finish the work.

But I will say, its going to be worth i because it'll last another 20+ years with the work that was just completed. And in between all this down time, I lost my uncle, my mom had to relocate, my son started school, our water heater exploded, G/D stopped working, dryer stopped working, oh and my office is closing at work so I've been pulling crazy OT. The truck would most likely still be on the quick jacks in the same undrivable condition it was 6 months ago. Lets Gooooooo!

Cant wait!

[jp2code]

If you get laid off, that will suck.

But, you can put in for unemployment, which also sucks because it is so low. And in the meantime, you will have time to work on that busted manifold.

Too bad you are in Cali, or I'd say stick a header on there.