NEW PROBLEM(S):

[Stewart G Griffin]

Alright, i kind of goofed----i didn't take enough pictures(because i thought i'd remember) and the pictures that i drew now make no sense to me:

So i need a "bailout" from you guys: (Aren't you just getting sick of that word?)


i'm not sure how the, what i believe to be the, powersteering bracket goes back on:



Should it go flush against the exhaust manifold, or should it rest against the first nut?

Actually, if you could post a picture/or explain how all 4(or 5?) brackets go back together, that would probably be best.

[eventhorizon66]

You have it on there correctly in the pic.

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7205.msg41877#msg41877

[Stewart G Griffin]

OK thanks;  That's lifesaving there.

You will be rewarded in some way (even if only in karma).

[Stewart G Griffin]

We're really almost getting there:

OK, next dum questions(how was i even able to get all this taken apart?):

1) What sizes are the converter to flexplate bolts?

2) Transmission crossmember bolts?

3) Transmission mount bolt (the one in the middle)?

NOTE: i have all of the actual bolts, i just apparently don't know the size of these bolts and apparently don't have the right socket and or wrench sizes for them----yet i was able to take it all apart weeks earlier.  Stange, i know.

Also, we may want to start a post in the tech section that lists all the commonly used bolt sizes for Small blocks and trucks.

[Stewart G Griffin]

1) As far as the torque converter to flexplate AND the single, rear trans mount bolt, the best i could come up with was 15mm;  The socket didn't slip, so i suppose it's good enough?
The trans crossmember bolts were snug enough for now.

2) We may need to backtrack concerning the accessory mounting; i may need a step-by-step description in regards to re-assembly:

We've established that the curved "J" shaped bracket goes against the exhaust manifold as illustrated in the below picture----against the nut:



HOWEVER, what goes on immediately after this bracket?

We know that this "wishbone" bracket goes on next:



But, does it go on flush against the "j" bracket or are there washers that need to go on first?

[eventhorizon66]

Yes, the "wishbone" bracket installs directly against the J-bracket.  Basically bolt the exhaust manifold up, install the J-bracket on the stud, then the "wishbone" bracket, then the nut.

[Stewart G Griffin]

OK, cool---thanks again;  We should maybe make this a thread in the tech section  ?

So, just to make totally sure, we can see that in my case i have a washer on the first stud.  The "j" bracket goes on as is AND THEN the "wishbone" bracket goes on directly next to it and then the washer would go on next then the bolt?

The second stud doesn't seem to have any washers to it, but i'll double check.

[eventhorizon66]

So, just to make totally sure, we can see that in my case i have a washer on the first stud.  The "j" bracket goes on as is AND THEN the "wishbone" bracket goes on directly next to it and then the washer would go on next then the bolt?

Correct

[Stewart G Griffin]

OK, cool.

Next question:

What do you feel these brackets should generally be torqued to?   

[eventhorizon66]

Good and tight with a 12" ratchet.  I also apply a little copper anti-seize to nice clean threads.  If I had to guess, I'd say 25-30 ft-lbs.

[Stewart G Griffin]

OK, 25-30lbs sounds right;  The service manual makes no mention of acc. brackets whatsoever.  (?)