Ok...a friend set me up for a conversation with his engine builder, and he set me straight on some things. I'm going to use the plastic framed Felpro gasket that came in the head set with a VERY light coat of sealant around the water jacket areas to fill in the pitting on the iron Vortec heads. For future reference, below is the torque spec for the lower and upper manifolds. I'll tighten both with an X-pattern for the center 4 bolts and work my way out symmetrically from there.

The lower manifold requires a three step torque process measured in in-lbs: 27-106-132

The upper manifold requires a two step torque process measured in in-lbs: 44-88

That pretty much sums it up. I hope to post that I have it running and driving this weekend. Margie, once again, I appreciate your input.

I drove the Wag last night! I took it around the block and back into the garage only to find puddles of coolant forming under the driver's side. I crawled underneath and, to my horror, saw coolant seeping out of the ARP head studs. Apparently, I failed at thread sealing the damn things. After doing a little reading, I'm going to try a different thread sealer by pulling one stud at a time, adding sealer and re-torquing. Hopefully, I don't bone the head gaskets...

On the fuel front, I added a 100 micron filter between the tank and pump, and the pump immediately sounds better. I still need to get a 10 micron filter to put between the pump and engine, but I think this quality filter setup will help with my issues. I guess I'll see...

For anyone still paying attention, I've put nearly 1000 miles on the truck since completing the head repair, and I'm really pleased with how it's running. I've also installed my revised fuel filter setup with a 100 micron strainer and cutout valve before the pump and a 10 micron filter after the pump. It works great!



I also mounted a tach, which still needs to be wired up, and installed an anti-theft devise to keep my rig where I leave it. There have been a number of FJ60s stolen recently, and I don't want to lose this one. Insurance will NEVER cover what I have in it...



Next up is to FINALLY mount my OBA system and get my ARB locker hooked up. I'll be heading to VA and RI for about 6-1/2 months of Navy school at the end of next month, and I want to try to get some driving/trail riding in over there.

Right on. Bums about the thieves. Probably using them for rural drug-running.

You'll hafta post in OT about your road trip for the rest of the Wire members; esp if going by way of NC.

Nice install! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

nice update, jon.
this all looks great. neatness counts, and there's beauty in funtion.
also- that anti theft system makes a statement.
glad you got the leak fixed. re-torque do it?

Margie, I'll definitely post up something about the trip when I make it. I'm hoping to meet up with Justice while I'm over there, too.

Hi Richard, thanks for the comments. A lot of time taking the one-by-one re-torque nice and slow, adding A LOT of the goop to the threads, and allowing a full 2 days of curing time before starting it, and it appears that I've got no leaks. I've been driving it for the 130 mile round trip to work for the past week and a half and I'm LOVING it!

I've been having some weird vibes coming from the front end that I think are caused by the ratty-assed used tires I've been trying to use. So, I ordered 2 new X-Terrains today to match the others. I also picked up a mount for my quick release blingin' fire extinguisher. I hope to get that mounted in the next couple of days. Things are coming along...

Lookin good Jon, any pics of the wheel?

Hi Greg. The steering wheel? It's this one but has the quick release mounted under it.



Thanks for the comment.

Today I got my new front tires, and it made a HUGE difference. I'll drive it to work tomorrow to see if it still vibrates in the places that were driving me nuts before changing them out.

I also ordered some of these a couple of days ago and should have them within the month.



I got them from Kevin Rowland, the fella that made my tailgate storage.

Wagon Gear

I've put a couple of days on the new tires, and it seems that my vibration problems are solved. Then, today I scored.

I came across a 4L80E transmission out of an '06 HD truck that was rolled and got it for a song. A good friend also picked up a project that never got off the ground and all of it's associated parts. In the lot was a 3.8 Atlas II with a 4L80E adapter and Art Carr cable shifter! I traded the future "take-out" 5 speed and split case with Mark's adapter that I will swap said Auto and Atlas for. Finally, I found the elusive Scout II steering box that I've been looking for and need to go pick it up tomorrow.

Where is all this going, you may ask? In September, I'll be changing to one ton axles in a spring-over configuration. My plan is to swap to the HD Auto and Atlas in preparation for the one ton running gear. I'm excited...

Brown Santa came the other day, and I finally took a break from house work to get some rig time in. Thanks Kevin (Wagongear)! Fit and finish is perfect, as always, and the key from my tailgate works these cylinders just fine!



After getting the side panels mounted, I turned my attention to repositioning my HAM rig. I fashioned a mounting tab for the head unit and got it mounted above the rearview mirror.



Finally, Don (FC Fab) made me some beefy brackets for the 62 sway bar I want to mount. They are perfect, but my tailpipe is in the way so I'll be hacking that off soon.



I'll be getting my HAM and CB operational, sway bar mounted, and a few more things before the drive, but I'm happy with where I am for now.