On Tue, 23 Sep 2003 19:49:05 GMT, Ernie Leimkuhler
wrote:


I am thinking about rebuilding the engine myself.
I have a metal fab shop, and since I have the '86 to drive for now there
is no immediate hurry.

On the '85 I have done everything except the engine itself,
I have been leery of actually getting inside the engine without
training, or at least supervision.

Shouldn't be to hard for someone like you. It's all in the details
which I know you're good at.

I can buy a rebuild kit for around $400, but is it better to rebuild
the engine in the truck or on a bench?

Engine stand without a doubt.

The tranny was last done about 150,000 miles ago, but can't be tested
until I get a working engine on it.

If it was shifting good when it quit don't worry about it. The weak
link in these transmissions is the synchro's.

The truck has 265,000 on it.
The factory engine died at 185,000, and I got about 80,000 out of the
rebuilt one I bought 7 years ago.
I have had this truck since 89, and it has been cared for, but also
USED a lot.

That seems like awfully short life for these engines. Mine had over
400,000 on it when I got rid of it (to my nephew who shortly managed
to tear up the synchro in the transmission and then roll the whole
truck).

I love this truck.
There is some question whether the block is worth rebuilding since it
might be too damaged.
I figure I could get a pulled block from a local junkyard, and just
rebuild the engine on a bench.

That's a tough call. You won't know till you tear it down.


Also what is the best book on rebuilding a 22R?

I've got a 81 factory service manual that's your's for the shipping.
It won't cover the fuel injection but the rest should be pretty much
the same. I've not found anything better than the factory manuals for
many things. This one is pretty good.

I've also got a Chiltons but it's not very good.

Wayne Cook
Shamrock, TX