Good to know about the transmission in 1st gear. I never knew they prevented 1st in the downshift. I assume this was to protect 1st since its so crucial in getting moving with a load?
I was of the understanding that shifting the axle shouldn't require the clutch. I assume I was just overzealous and didn't give it the time to engage before getting back on the gas. Ill play with it some more once I get the brake line in. That said, is it bad to use the clutch when shifting hi-lo? Also, I assume that to use axle low when downshifting and engine braking is just a reverse of the up shifting process. Any special considerations when downshifting through each gear? Seems complex and possibly damaging if not done perfectly.
Yeah the wheels are a large concern on my end. They are actually the 10 lug style on a 5 bolt front axle so replacement should be plentiful at the local truck yards. Ill start calling around tomorrow for a set in decent shape. I do a lot of "questionable" and borderline sketchy things on farm life, but center splits flat out terrify me and I give them wide berth. Surprisingly not illegal in this state, but not any reason to try and keep them. Any firsthand advice on style of tire? Research shows that tubeless radials seem to handle/ride better, and I'm all about that!
I appreciate the insight on the terminology, and it all makes sense. I'm from the world of M35A2 Deuce-and-a-Halfs and M813 5 ton and the terminology was confusing me. But good call on the front axle designation in conjunction with a repower. The goal would be to repower with a diesel so ill have to look into front axle weight to see what is possible or what may need swapped.
Does anyone by chance have any advice on literature for this series truck? I'd love to find all I can to learn everything about the line to know what options there are out there. Barring shop manuals, I havent really found any good spec sheets.
And Great point on the bleeding process with gravity. I like that idea a lot! Im going to give it a shot if I can.
Thanks for all the replies and input, I greatly appreciate it all.
