I knew it’s condition was most likely rough. My suspicions are being confirmed by finding quite a bit of rust in the front frame as well as cracks.
It appears to be stuck in first gear, clutch is inoperable, just can’t pull it out of first into neutral. Rocking the vehicle back-and-forth to try to free up any binding in either transmission or engine has been unsuccessful.
Engine is seized. I’ve tried to manually turn it over without success. Thoroughly doused each cylinder with PB blaster and it’s been sitting for more than a week. The engine still will not turn over manually. Prob crank is rusted in place. Remember how much water came out of the oil pan? Condensation over 9 years MUST have produced enough moisture to gather on internal surfaces.
Short term- Continue dismantling to frame. Hopefully the frame is solid enough to do patchwork wherever needed. Refresh axles, brakes, replace springs/shocks.
Depending on engine status, most likely rebuild. Keeping things all factory to get it back on the road.
Replace entire electrical harness and insure system can handle modern charging and outlets.
Reassemble body tweaking fitment as I go. My goal will be to produce a driveable truck that I can enjoy till I get to Long Term.
Long Term- I’ll retire in 11 years. I want to drive the truck several years leading up to that. Then I will do a proper restoration like the 1962 88 in the North America Overland video. But do most of the work myself, in the shop I’ll have at that time.
Lofty goals and presumptions, I know. But, Hi, I’m Don, and I’m a masochist.
