Update:
In the process of building the bed I blew the driver steer tire (RH5 wheels) so the trucks been up for a bit while I was hunting for wheels. Located 4 ring splits, so only the inner dual RH5's remain. Was able to get on the road again last weekend and run her. Smoking is down, but oil consumption remains. Got back in the shop and dug around underneath to find oil seeping from the bell housing drain hole, so the rear main is shot and i've got to pull the 292.
Since its out, figure I may as well dress it from top to bottom and attend to the trans and clutch. Figure its a better option right now to rebuild/run the 292 (wont cost much) and slowly amass what I need for the re-power. Pushes the timeline to the right, but keeps the truck working and earning money and allows more time to plan and shop junkyards.
Engine pull is happening in a different shop so I am out of the way of the dozer's and excavator's winter maintenance. So yesterday I topped off fluids, gave her the once over, loaded up, and set off on the long 2 hour drive. Stopped once to top off oil and check brakes. She had no issues and purred at steady rpm and 47 mph. I got a lot of looks, some waves, a couple thumbs up, and a lot of middle fingers from the backed up traffic, but all in all, despite the cold and lack of functioning heater, it was a very enjoyable drive. Shes parked at my farm now before she makes the last leg of the journey westward toward a fresh engine and drive-line.
Couldn't help but laugh at all the middle fingers for my "slow driving." Its sad really, but then again those people will never know the enjoyment of banging the gears up to a slow roll and enjoying the world going by just a bit slower and a lot less hectic.
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