3:45 – Gary suggests that I attach the rear drive
shaft, as it's a potentially harmless task requiring only a knowledge of
how to turn a wrench. Any STHM should be able to do it. He
takes a crack at installing the extended brake hoses. I pass him
the drain pan we used for the t-case fluid, into which he promptly drops
a wrench. The Three Stooges couldn't have timed it better!
3:50
– I have the first bolt holding the rear drive shaft to the transfer case
torqued up. Gary shifts the transfer case to neutral so I can spin
the next bolt into position for tightening. “Click,” goes the adapter.
“Oh, #x*&,” says I. Upon reviewing the instructions, we find
that the retaining bolts for the drive shaft must be installed in the flange
prior to banging it into place. Gary tells me to pull the adapter
completely off – the instructions also suggest putting gasket goop on the
splines to help avoid leakage. We conclude that reading the instructions
is probably a good idea.
4:15
– Both shafts are on, everything is torqued up, the driver’s side extended
brake hose is in place and Gary suggests that we need to wait to do the
passenger side. It’s Sunday, the bolt on the brake line is being
obstinate, and we’re afraid of breaking the front brakes on my daily driver,
especially since we lack the parts to repair any damage. We entertain
ourselves for a few minutes trying to pour fluid into the transfer case
without the benefit of an appropriate funnel. Fluid gets on me, on
Gary, on the floor, and on the tools. Enough makes it into the t-case
to fill it up. We bleed the front brakes, fire Hammerhead up, and
go for a spin to check things out.
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