Wire Fox
Well-known member
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- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
Yesterday, I nailed the winning bid on my first MV, a 1994, 2-dr, M998A1 with a 6.5L NA engine. It's missing a transmission, transfer case (a new AMG 242 was hiding in the back!), rear drive shaft (hiding in back!), light switch, and the doors (hiding in back!). Most everything else looks pretty nice and in-tact, and it didn't have a lot of its equipment stripped off like others did. Another member pointed out that it has the newer style of brush guard mounts and the newer style of wheels already installed, so those are a plus!
Since I already don't have a transmission, it makes sense for me to just go ahead and install the nicer 4L80E transmission so that I have overdrive right off the bat. I've been poking through a lot of the write-ups on how to do this and most look like they're written for someone with a 6.2 converting from a 3L80 to a 4L80E, which usually involves sourcing a 6.5L wiring harness and certain sensors. Based on the photos I see of the shifter, it looks like it had the 3L80 originally installed. Has anyone done a write-up of the 6.5L 3L80 -> 4L80E conversion so I can review over that? Hopefully in the 2-6 months I'll be waiting for this, I can get a transmission picked up and completely built up, then start gathering all of the parts and tools I know I'll need/want.
Otherwise, enjoy some pictures of what I just bought. I plan for it to be a multi-utility truck for me. It's going to carry motorcycles, be a quick-setup camping rig, a cargo hauler, a snow plow, a radio rig, and a search & rescue truck-just not all at once. I think most days, it's going to be rigged up with radios, SAR gear, and be ready for general hauling. I think I bought the right truck for the job!
![684877_6002_159_0001.jpg 684877_6002_159_0001.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/446/446471-00bcd3ba70d43dcee491f9ff2138bd26.jpg)
![684877_6002_161_0001.jpg 684877_6002_161_0001.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/446/446477-f4cccb292b0cecaf0394ef3bd1bb8ca4.jpg)
![684877_6062_3359_0001.jpg 684877_6062_3359_0001.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/446/446478-85b7eb124c648d1eb6cd924842294d77.jpg)
![684877_6002_0_0008.jpg 684877_6002_0_0008.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/446/446482-ed7c03b96392f3dbe35a882862ddb2c4.jpg)
![684877_6002_0_0006.jpg 684877_6002_0_0006.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/446/446481-7685c6717716c2f6abe924c6256105e7.jpg)
EDIT 5 Jan 2017: I thought it'd be neat to keep the current vehicle status right here.
Things done: Installed S3, Installed new master light switch, installed junk doors, completed grill guard install, charged and tested batteries, installed marker light, removed broken exhaust, diagnosed fan/shroud issue, replaced most missing fasteners for troop bench, installed wash fluid pump, changed air and oil filter, installed starter, installed heated Truck Lite heated LED headlights, and scoured truck for all hidden goodies.
Things to do:
Engine is non-running. Need to install 200 Amp Alternator, replace accessory belts, install fan clutch quick disconnect, bleed PS system, test glow plugs (4/8 good!), change all fluids (1st Oil change complete), replace fuel filter, install S3's TSU, install battery to battery cable, and then ask for prayers when I see the WAIT light.
Exhaust and mounts are all included and appear in good shape, except crossover looks like it has some small holes that can be band-aided for very short-term use. Just need to locate all the bolts and test-fit it.
Purchased 4L80E, adapter, and offset crossmember. Have AMG 242, correct length prop shafts, 4 spd shifter, TCM, relay, Trans Light, and a few of the sensors and brackets... Still need engine speed sensor, fan kickdown switch, throttle position sensor, circuit breaker, T/C Lock Light, and wiring components.
Haven't inspected suspension. Diffs & Hubs need inspected. All lights operational. R door needs ANOTHER handle. Doors need windows restiched. Driver seat stuck. Seat belts are slack-likely need replaced/svc. Wiper wash fluid tube needs replaced. Some vent line isn't connected all the way to air intake (need to investigate). Accelerator pedal feels very loose. Need to pin all shackles in place so I don't lose them like a fool.
More to follow...
Since I already don't have a transmission, it makes sense for me to just go ahead and install the nicer 4L80E transmission so that I have overdrive right off the bat. I've been poking through a lot of the write-ups on how to do this and most look like they're written for someone with a 6.2 converting from a 3L80 to a 4L80E, which usually involves sourcing a 6.5L wiring harness and certain sensors. Based on the photos I see of the shifter, it looks like it had the 3L80 originally installed. Has anyone done a write-up of the 6.5L 3L80 -> 4L80E conversion so I can review over that? Hopefully in the 2-6 months I'll be waiting for this, I can get a transmission picked up and completely built up, then start gathering all of the parts and tools I know I'll need/want.
Otherwise, enjoy some pictures of what I just bought. I plan for it to be a multi-utility truck for me. It's going to carry motorcycles, be a quick-setup camping rig, a cargo hauler, a snow plow, a radio rig, and a search & rescue truck-just not all at once. I think most days, it's going to be rigged up with radios, SAR gear, and be ready for general hauling. I think I bought the right truck for the job!
![684877_6002_159_0001.jpg 684877_6002_159_0001.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/446/446471-00bcd3ba70d43dcee491f9ff2138bd26.jpg)
![684877_6002_161_0001.jpg 684877_6002_161_0001.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/446/446477-f4cccb292b0cecaf0394ef3bd1bb8ca4.jpg)
![684877_6062_3359_0001.jpg 684877_6062_3359_0001.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/446/446478-85b7eb124c648d1eb6cd924842294d77.jpg)
![684877_6002_0_0008.jpg 684877_6002_0_0008.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/446/446482-ed7c03b96392f3dbe35a882862ddb2c4.jpg)
![684877_6002_0_0006.jpg 684877_6002_0_0006.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/446/446481-7685c6717716c2f6abe924c6256105e7.jpg)
EDIT 5 Jan 2017: I thought it'd be neat to keep the current vehicle status right here.
Things done: Installed S3, Installed new master light switch, installed junk doors, completed grill guard install, charged and tested batteries, installed marker light, removed broken exhaust, diagnosed fan/shroud issue, replaced most missing fasteners for troop bench, installed wash fluid pump, changed air and oil filter, installed starter, installed heated Truck Lite heated LED headlights, and scoured truck for all hidden goodies.
Things to do:
Engine is non-running. Need to install 200 Amp Alternator, replace accessory belts, install fan clutch quick disconnect, bleed PS system, test glow plugs (4/8 good!), change all fluids (1st Oil change complete), replace fuel filter, install S3's TSU, install battery to battery cable, and then ask for prayers when I see the WAIT light.
Exhaust and mounts are all included and appear in good shape, except crossover looks like it has some small holes that can be band-aided for very short-term use. Just need to locate all the bolts and test-fit it.
Purchased 4L80E, adapter, and offset crossmember. Have AMG 242, correct length prop shafts, 4 spd shifter, TCM, relay, Trans Light, and a few of the sensors and brackets... Still need engine speed sensor, fan kickdown switch, throttle position sensor, circuit breaker, T/C Lock Light, and wiring components.
Haven't inspected suspension. Diffs & Hubs need inspected. All lights operational. R door needs ANOTHER handle. Doors need windows restiched. Driver seat stuck. Seat belts are slack-likely need replaced/svc. Wiper wash fluid tube needs replaced. Some vent line isn't connected all the way to air intake (need to investigate). Accelerator pedal feels very loose. Need to pin all shackles in place so I don't lose them like a fool.
More to follow...
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