I figured that if I wanted to drive this truck for a few more years, I should do it up right. The Time-Sert concept is solid.

I will be calling on the 'Crew when it comes time to slap the timing belt change in, as I've never done one before. I do know how to make chicken wings, though. I might have to add chili to the menu, too.

Ryan, how did you R&R the bushings?


John B.

I welded my front diff mounts, works great, and cost nothing. While your at it you should look at your motor mounts, they show signs of being toasted. The mounts have brackets to limit the movement. Yours are resting on the brackets. Good luck getting it all put back together.

It's always something, isn't it? Between the front two engine mounts and the rear two, that's another $300. Sigh...

Correction: I forgot to check Rock Auto. They have the front two for under $25 each.

John B.

It's a good thing all of your trees in front of your house grow money. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Have another soda, it will ease the pain...maybe.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Keep in mind the aftermarket transmission mounts last about 6 months, ask me how i know <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> and yes they came from rock auto and interestingly enough had dealer part numbers. Possibly came from the Tiawan Mitsu factory but either way they're junk. So i'm not too sure about their motor mounts though, but i've only ever used aftermarket motor mounts on 4 cylinder trucks and that's a lot less weight and power to control.

I looked through my records and realized that I was only able to replace the rear (lower?) one myself, using my bench vise to press the bushing. The other two bushings needed to have the axle shafts pulled out in order to remove the bushing carriers - I left that to the shop that installed my 4.90 gears.

Well, I decided to order more parts. Since the valve covers are coming off to replace the cam seals, I went ahead and ordered valve stem seals. Because I love torture.

I got the drill bit for the Thread-Sert a few turns in before it grabbed tightly enough that the engine is spinning. I need a helper to hold the flywheel, but I think I can convince a local (to me) to get under there for that.

My future plan at this point is to get the harmonic balancer back on and everything up and running with the existing parts, then try to convince Canyonero to help me with the special tools I need by taking my truck to his house and beg for help from him and Pa_Jero. Hopefully you guys believe we could get everything done over a weekend?

Timing belt and related parts
Valve stem seals

Optional: Motor mounts, transmission mount.

John B.

JB, we can definitely get the T belt and valve stem seals done in a weekend if we block the whole thing off. Last time I did a timing belt, it took me about 3.5 hours total, but I was doing it on a regular basis then. You're doing the water pump as well I'm assuming? Between PAJ and myself, and all of the proper tools I've acquired over the past couple of years, we can get you fixed up. Lemme know when you want to get after it.

Man, that is super-cool, thanks. Yes, I have the front half of the water pump. Everything came in the kit, idler and tensioner pulleys, tensioner, crank and cam seals. I also have a new crank sprocket. Since the truck still runs, the crank position sensor is fine.

I'll get the insert in soon and add the new harmonic balancer with new bolt and washer, but I'll have to jury-rig the positioning dowel as I can't replace that lower sprocket without slipping off the timing belt, which I'm obviously not prepared to do yet. Got new belts and hoses are on the way as well. The rodded out radiator has been waiting in my living room, patiently, for months. Got a new idler pulley for the drive belt as well, since they don't like the Gila River mud in them.

Thanks again, Jay. I'll keep you posted.

John B.

Valve stem seals, valve cover gaskets and radiator hoses should be here Friday. I just ordered the rear cam seals (forgot about those) and the three front diff mounts.

I think I MAY be done ordering parts for a while...

John B.