Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Dowel pin "Do as I say, NOT as I do"

[gary johnson]

OHHhhh man... ... The perfect "shade tree" in NM so I decided to buck it up and "kill" the dowel pin. Got out the tool box, doctored up a big mug of joe, and got my attitude right. Time to install the TST kit I have had haunting me from the tool box for 3 months. Breakdown went easy 'nuff and when I got the gear cover off, I expected to see the dowel pin just hanging there. Nope! just as tight as the day she was born. So, right to replacement bolt and keeper washer.

As I was installing the bolt and washer I noticed the keeper wasn't ligned up quite right. As I backed out the bolt the keeper washer slipped off the end of the bolt and"plink" I heard it FALL behind the gears and thought for sure it went to the oil pan! Just what I was trying to prevent!!! Okay, calmed down and reflected on my life awhile and when I came back for a 2nd look, there it was lodged behind the gear and accessible thru the hole in the casting! A little tie wire and patience, I was able to get it out. WHEWwwww.

So point of all this rambling is: Watch out for this situation if you are killing your dowel pin and make the same mistake I did. You might not be so lucky to get it back!

 

[hsmith]

Did you run out and but a lotto ticket? LOL

 

[gcorron]

Been there, done that!! Earned a T-shirt that says "expert magnet fisher".



A shop rag sure can save you a lot of stress, they're cheap... . use them!!



George

 

[gary johnson]

Been there, done that!! Earned a T-shirt that says "expert magnet fisher".



A shop rag sure can save you a lot of stress, they're cheap... . use them!!



George]



Yea, you bet! Just cut up 5 good Tshirts

 

[gary johnson]

Did you run out and but a lotto ticket? LOL

no..... ran out and bought a rack of 6

 

[KnightR]

Just had mine done. Garage did it for $375 and removed inner case bolts and lock-tite all after installing tap. Dowel pin was loose but still in. Great price but then without testing anything they tell me I need a new injector pump, injectors, inner case gasket because of leak. Never had a drop of oil on my driveway. ?????? Should install this and pipes etc. etc. Question. . I don't have the power I would like to have but really don't tow heavy that much. Rebuilt engine has 20K on it, truck has 130K and has had all fuel lines and gas tanks replaced, new steering complete box and all. Complete new front end (previous owner was taken big time) Starts if the engine turns 1/4, mileage 17 for a 4x4, never used a drop of oil. Should I part with 3K for what?

 

[hsmith]

You need to forget their phone number. So, what happened to the original engine with only 110k? Did the same shop do the rebuild? Sounds like some big snow job here from that facility.

 

[Missouri Mule]

KnightR, I would keep the 3K. You can go to another shop ( one that specialize in injector pumps and injectors). to get a second opinion.