Alright looking for alittle advice. I'm converting a 77 clubcab 2wd truck to a 77 4wd diesel 3\4 ton and i'm going to reseal the engine leaks but wondering since its out should i reseal the whole thing? pull the head put a new headgasket on and what not, if i do that should i save the money and just rebuild the engine?? If i rebuild it should i do a stock rebuild or throw some aftermarket stuff in. or should i just reseal the leaks and go on? Also its an automatic should i convert it to a getrag, nv4500 or leave it and rebuild the auto? I dont' have alot of money but i'm not planning on doing this in a month it'll probably be a couple year project. My plans is a reliable 4wd that will pull what i want. I can't make up my mind and would like a little input. I know its probably been beat to death but any advice is appreciated.

 

I think if it was mine, I'd reseal the whole thing. There are a few seals and gaskets that get leaky over time, and some are just way more pleasant to get at when the engine isn't surrounded by a truck. Head gaskets are fairly durable, but they like to seep coolant from the right front corner. Pulling off the gear housing and resealing it is a lot nicer when the engine is out; you can deal with the KDP and vacuum pump at the same time. Oil pan gaskets don't leak a whole lot, but again, it's a 20 minute job when the engine's out, and a nightmare when it's in the truck. This way, you can clean up and paint the whole engine so it'll look great when the project's done.

I don't think I'd bother to rebuild it because the odds are that it will last through a couple of truck bodies without needing rebuilding, but I guess it depends a lot on the miles and treatment it got beforehand.

As far as the transmission, I'd always prefer a stick in a utility or tow vehicle for its durability and control, but I guess it's up to each guy's personal tastes. One thing to remember is that if you ever want to add an exhaust brake to your truck, it'll work a lot better with a stick.

Enjoy your project.

 

200k on the clock so i wouldn't think anything would be worn out internally but i just bought it a couple months ago and have been fixing minor things but am now ready to just start restoring the 77 and getting it ready.