Progress has been made. I've purchased many more parts and tools along the way. I've stopped freaking out over spending money and just getting what is needed to make this happen. I attempted to install the motor with the transmission still in place. I got really close, but couldn't get that angle just right. Once I dropped the trans, I had the motor mounted in no time. As usual stuff happens for good reason. One of the boots on the nv3550 was torn up bad. Had I not dropped the trans I might have introduced debris threw the worn out boot. Friday night a couple of my friends helped me mount the trans. They did most of the work, it was a huge help. So far the bolts are just hand tight. The replacement bolts I got for the two e12 bolts weren't long enough, 1 1/2 inch long. I have some 2 inch long bolts that helped to get the trans and engine to meet, but I'm afraid they are too long. I plan to find some 1 3/4 inch bolts tomorrow during my lunch break. I could go on and on about all the wonderful challenges I've had the pleasure to overcome
. Saturday morning I took the catalytic converter and muffler to my local Triple A Muffler shop and asked the guy to remove and replace the 3 broken bolts I broke off. I went back in the afternoon and he didn't charge me. It made my day
. Today I installed the exhaust & intake manifolds, ac compressor & power steering. I also drained the front diff and the fluid was fine. I know I should have done that back in February or March, but I didn't. I spent at least 50 minutes today on the wire wheel cleaning bolts. Each time I think I can get something done quickly, I learn there's work I didn't account for. Positive thoughts plus one bolt at a time has made this a good experience. I think I'm within a week of getting this baby rolling again.