That's interesting about the VWs. Thanks for sharing that Dave!

Gavin. I think I've replaced most of the captive washers at this point. Half of them had rusted away which is rather unfortunate, but whatcha gonna do.

 

Alright everyone, stay tuned. The transmission is going back in tomorrow morning and then once fluids are in and the truck is packed up I'm hitting the road again to return home. Shooting for a 5 day trip. First stop is Blacksburg, VA (Saturday night). Second stop is TBD (Sunday. Destination will depend on how day 1 goes). Third night will be in Kansas City where I'm meeting up with a buddy who's been on a month and a half long trip in his converted school bus with a bunch of folks (Monday night). I'll be spending the following day with them (Tuesday) and then hitting the road that next morning and hopefully will arrive in Denver with no trouble that evening (Wednesday). Should everything go well (obviously it won't, but hey, I'm used to it) I'll have a fairly easy trip ahead of me. Certainly a long trip, but it is what it is. I'll keep y'all updated and post some pictures tomorrow. First leg of the trip is 4-5ish hours so hopefully by the end of it I'll know if I'm going to have trouble or not.

My grandmother seems to be of the opinion that I need to sell my truck and buy a jeep. For some reason she thinks that's what will find me a wife rather than my slick. She even told me I should buy something here and leave the truck behind.. Obviously doesn't understand how great these trucks are. My grandad just laughed as she was telling me this.

 

I think your grandma wants your truck and why see said leave it behind
Good luck on the return leg of your trip
Dave ----

 

Thanks Dave. Got the truck out of the driveway today but could barely engage the gears and when I did there were some grinding noises.. She's back out on the bench and my return trip is pushed back indefinitely.

 

That sucks
Guess you will be hunting down another.
If you were to find a T18 any new parts you put in yours you could put in that one if need be.
Good luck
Dave ----

 

Yeah, it really sucks. I've been looking for one around here for the past couple weeks. Sadly haven't been able to find one.. Looks like I might be towing the truck back out west

 

You can also look for a NP435 as long as it has the same out put shaft as yours and has the shifter stick as it is different than the T18
Dave ----

 

The return trip wasn’t meant to be. She’ll make it back to Denver, but behind my Dad’s sequoia. Turns out that ring was actually another part of the main transmission output shaft that had broken off. Strike two for said output shaft, as now the lock rings holding both second gear and third/fourth just slide on and off so the gears basically float. Not exactly an ideal situation. Couldn’t find any transmissions locally and I need to get back for work so dad was generous enough to volunteer himself and his suv for a road trip (Didn’t tell him this was all a con to get some extra time and a guys trip in with him). Sadly there won’t be too many pictures as we’re barreling through in two 13 hour days, but if you see us on the road at any point give us a wave. Thanks for all the help with figuring this stuff out. More to come once she’s safely in my garage again.

 

Sorry man, but sometimes you gotta give in. Good to know she'll roll again. Have a safe trip.

 

lewiscrouse I sent you a pm

 

I give you a lot of credit you gave it one he11 of a try
When you get home and not pushed for time you can step back a little and pick the best way to deal with getting the truck back on the road.
Good luck and keep us posted
Dave ----

 

Well, what is one of the most endearing story lines in this epic adventure are the people who made the journey with you, that now, will be forever part of your life story. And let’s hear it for Dad and Mom. Sounds like you and your parents have had good upbringing - and I’m sure, you will pass those character traits along to the next generation of Slick trippers. This was a great posting. Tom

P.s. Perhaps some day you will own a Jeep. Just get an antique one, and post a picture of it with a Just Married sign on it as you embark on a honeymoon cross country trip in that. Just bring a distributor, alternator, and extra transmission to keep the new bride and Grandma happy.

 

Glad to hear your on your way home, always nice to get out and it's always nice to get back in your own bed
Best of luck on your trip home, get er fixed, drive and enjoy, wash, rinse, repeat often!

 

Thanks everyone! She's home in the driveway now and life is good. Getting to spend a bit more time with my dad tonight before he starts the drive back in the morning (hoping to get home to spend a bit of time with mom on her birthday on Monday). All's well that ends well. Now to take a step back and take a break for a minute and try and find an output shaft or another transmission nearby. I get to take my time with it now, and the pressure is off which is a wonderful feeling. I wouldn't trade this trip for anything.

 

Good to hear you made it home and wish your dad a safe trip back home.

Take time off from the truck to catch your breath this way when you do get back to it it will not feel like a "job" LOL
Dave ----