Let's get up to date

Most of January was spent installing the 5 speed NV3550 transmission.  This included some modification to the bell housing.  So it goes 351W engine, Ford Bellhousing, adaptor, Jeep transmission, adaptor, Ford Dana 20 transfer case.

Got both front and rear driveshafts rebuilt and painted by a local shop.

Now I created a new problem - that being that the mechanical clutch assembly doesn't clear the header pipes.

Look at that crazy angle.  No amount of shimming or reseat of the engine mounts or twisting of the engine would make this go away.  

So after much research, I chose to convert to a hydraulic setup.  Which is probably better anyway considering the 11 finger clutch pressure plate that is in there now.  I had to bring my budding welding skills to the forefront and design/build a bracket for the slave cylinder.  Success!!!