It got into the 50's today so while it was loaded I gave it a bath. Kind of a bugger to move around, it is heavy (130-180lbs dry depending on where you read without the cast iron extension and lever) but it is a combo of it being hefty and no good place to grab the thing that makes it hard to sling around.
As my high school shop teacher would say, if you are going to cheat, cheat smartly.
By the way, the tailgates were level before I switched trucks. Didn't note how much each went up/down but that is a lot of change. The GMC's springs are whooped so I suppose it felt it more.
Looking forward to seeing it in your truck
It went right in, just swims in there.
It was sold as a '79 but I think it is a '77. Makes no difference to me either way, tag is cool though.
Popped the extension off to lose some weight, struck oil. Not sure why it started leaking after I took that off.
I think this will bolt on my my M5R2 and be the foundation of a stand to hold the trans upright during the input bearing setup.
Random thought I had. I think it could be made to work but by the time I make the linkage and weld new shafts I don't know if it would be really worth it vs $135 for a twin stick kit. Dunno, I will keep playing with it.
I do have a couple different ideas that have hit me so far. Cut off the bends and make a clamp on lever like what I have for my current t-case so I can adjust the lever angle if I want. Or... (ideally) cut the shifters off entirely and weld flat stock onto and bolt on two FX4LVII shifters (I have one right now) Not sure how much if at all I am going to clock the t-case and where the shifters are going to end up coming thru the floor at makes the two piece lever more appealing. I could get the bottom set up and done any time. And then as soon as everything is in the truck I could tweak the upper lever to fit.