ML builds an old truck

[Popeye the Sailor]

I did some reading and read 45 or so.

Honestly half of my resistance is that it's an AOD lol. I suppose I could look at a 700R4 which I think is a TH400 upgraded to an overdrive unit.

I'm not sure I would need overdrive anyway.  I can tell you this thing is not going to spend much time on the highway.

It's a long trek to dimby.

[Duck-Stew]

It’s an International.  What could be more “international” than mating different driveline components? 

Also, who cares!  Run what’s best.  Also, imagine the looks when that rig goes blasting past pedestrian automobiles at 90mph on the interstate…

[triangleforge]

Don't know if you've got power steering figured out, but I came across this interesting solution to project car PS:

https://www.thedrive.com/news/41845/toyota-prius-power-steering-works-in-almost-any-project-car

[Monsterlover]

Don't know if you've got power steering figured out, but I came across this interesting solution to project car PS:

https://www.thedrive.com/news/41845/toyota-prius-power-steering-works-in-almost-any-project-car

That is absolutely genius. I'll definitely look into that. Thanks for sharing!

[Popeye the Sailor]

That is absolutely genius. I'll definitely look into that. Thanks for sharing!

I can't recall, but some of electric power steering units need a control box. Pretty sure the Saturn Vue box, the Equinox and a few others. There is an aftermarket control kit to make them work, and they have a knob so you can tell the box what level of assistance you want.

This guy does 'em.

https://epowersteering.com/purchase/product/basic-eps-controller-saturn-vue-chevy-equinox-units

I'm pretty sure I have one of those boxes, but I need to find it to see which one. You can have it, of course. Assuming it'll fit.

I'll try to dig it out in case you go electric.

[Monsterlover]

I can't recall, but some of electric power steering units need a control box. Pretty sure the Saturn Vue box, the Equinox and a few others. There is an aftermarket control kit to make them work, and they have a knob so you can tell the box what level of assistance you want.

This guy does 'em.

https://epowersteering.com/purchase/product/basic-eps-controller-saturn-vue-chevy-equinox-units

I'm pretty sure I have one of those boxes, but I need to find it to see which one. You can have it, of course. Assuming it'll fit.

I'll try to dig it out in case you go electric.

Nice.  If I can fit an electric assist I will. There's so many unknowns at the moment.

At this point I think I will test fit/tack in place the entire truck to make sure it will all work.

[Randimus Maximus]

Basically, the benefit of using the Prius unit is that if hooked up to straight 12V, it operates in "limp mode", which means it provides assist assuming the vehicle is at 43MPH.

I might know a guy that can get you a new unit at cost +10%. 

But I'm sure there are plenty out there from a salvage standpoint (we sell very few of those units, even though most of our vehicles have utilized that set up for the last 10-15 years).

[Monsterlover]

Basically, the benefit of using the Prius unit is that if hooked up to straight 12V, it operates in "limp mode", which means it provides assist assuming the vehicle is at 43MPH.

I might know a guy that can get you a new unit at cost +10%. 

But I'm sure there are plenty out there from a salvage standpoint (we sell very few of those units, even though most of our vehicles have utilized that set up for the last 10-15 years).

I will keep this in mind

Looks like they're around $150 used. I couldn't find a cost on a new one.

[ZLTFUL]

I would stick with the TH400 unless you go PowerGlide which is even more bulletproof. And if OD is ever a concern, then pick up a Gear Vendors OD unit. Built for up to 2000hp, replaces the 4" tall housing, direct bolt on and simple push button actuation/disable.
https://www.gearvendors.com/product/automatic-3-speed-t-400-mech-speedo-11/?TYPE=STREET-STRIP&FUEL_TYPE=GAS

Granted, that's a $3k investment. But we are only here to help (spend your money).

[Monsterlover]

I would stick with the TH400 unless you go PowerGlide which is even more bulletproof. And if OD is ever a concern, then pick up a Gear Vendors OD unit. Built for up to 2000hp, replaces the 4" tall housing, direct bolt on and simple push button actuation/disable.
https://www.gearvendors.com/product/automatic-3-speed-t-400-mech-speedo-11/?TYPE=STREET-STRIP&FUEL_TYPE=GAS

Granted, that's a $3k investment. But we are only here to help (spend your money).

Yeah that's a nice unit but that cost

[Monsterlover]

I'm having three pedal thoughts now ...

[triangleforge]

Do it! 

I need to get  manual transmission back in my life. Four wheeled, that is.

[Monsterlover]

Do it! 

I need to get  manual transmission back in my life. Four wheeled, that is.

I have a six-speed in my 2017 Mustang and I like it. For performance vehicles I really feel like a manual is the choice that's best. There's nothing like ripping gears while standing on the throttle.

Sadly, also works as an anti-theft device.

[Monsterlover]

Well, the manual trans is all but a done deal.  I'm ordering a Tremec T56 6spd and all the parts that go along with it (flywheel, double disc clutch etc) next week.  I may have to add a transmission tunnel to the cab but I'm willing to do it.

I'm also grabbing a crate rear end.  Looking like a 9" with a Detroit Tru-trac diff.  4:11 gears with the T56 trans should put me at 80mph around 2000 rpm in 6th gear.  I can make that work.  The 9" should hold all the power I can throw at it.  Proabably U joints would be the weak link.

Tremec warranties the T56 to 700 foot pounds of torque 

Since I have a long bed frame and a short bed to go on it I'll have to section the frame something like 8-12 inches.  After that I can set the rear end, wheels and tires approx where they'll live.  I found a local guy that builds hot rod frames or whatever you want and he's going to stop down, take measurements and build some control arms for me.

I'm going to run the Mustang 2 front end that's in there now and see how it goes.  We'll build longer control arms to fit that allow a wider track width.  I'm shooting for something in the 75" range.

More to come...

[kopfjäger]

Oh hell yeaah!