DROVE IT TO WORK LAST NIGHT!

[Cal_Gary]

I finally got the transfer install and lube finished so I put the canvas top on, did a walk-around and drove the M up to work tonight (about 5 miles each way). The truck ran well but balks at starting back up easily, so I need to dial it in a bit more. The heater worked well and the replacement transfer case seems strong and steady-a lot quieter than the old one, so the old one was in worse shape than I thought.
Anyway, nice to have accomplished this, and my co-workers offered many kind remarks!
Gary

[WarrenD]

Congrats! Always good to get some time behind the wheel after spending so much time under these things!

[W_A_Watson_II]

GREAT! What a feeling it has to be to have it on the road again.

[HingsingM37]

Fantastic, glad to see you back up and running brother

[Cal_Gary]

Thanks Guys! Just got a space heater for the garage so I can work in a bit more comfortable environment!
Gary

[HingsingM37]

Gary,
Glad to hear you got a heater. I am going to break down and get one as well. I was out in the man cave last night and wondered how I ever spent 4 winters in there un-heated working on the truck. I am thinking maybe I got a little frost bite at some point as my hands seem super sensitive to cold anymore. Did you go with propane or kerosene?

[Cal_Gary]

It's an electric / ceramic-based dual element heater that I spotted on HSN the other night-$70 and I fired it up for a moment in the house once received. It pushes a great deal of heat instantly, so I plan on giving it an isolated side wall with nothing around it-probably my left side where I kept the two spare NDTs.... Should work well since it's such a small garage.

Now if I can get this flywheel ground down I can kill two birds with one stone: replace the flywheel and also install the PTO while the tranny is on the floor. I'd like the winch to be operational this winter. The old civvy flywheel grinds when starting, depending on where the engagement area is, and the NOS M37 flywheel needs the back side 1-inch reinforced area cut down flush in order to mate to my civilian starter. I had no luck trying to sweat the ring gear off/on so this is my next best option.
More to follow,
Gary

[Cal_Gary]

Well I found a machine shop who can take my NOS flywheel ring gear off and sweat it onto my civvy flywheel for a whopping $28, so I dropped the tranny and clutch out today and found one of the flywheel nuts won't budge. So, I picked up a 5/8 combo wrench tonight and will give that a try tomorrow, as my old wrench was worn out. I can also apply some heat, but carefully, based on the location.
More to follow,
Gary