Get an extension, pass it above the frame rail. Easy peasy.
Yeah, I thought about that. But there's some other pipes or hoses jamming up that space. Not even sure what they are. Not the fuel lines. They're like 1/2" OD. For some reason, there was a wiring harness or something wrapped around them. I had to unsnake it and it was a PITA. Maybe it was the TC cables. I can't remember, but I had to unsnake it and I was like "****** did they do that for?!"
It's frustrating. Generally speaking, the truck is pretty easy to work on. Everything is so simple, and fairly easy to understand. But then some of the things they did are totally ******. Frankly, it seems to be the more recent additions. No concern for servicabililty. Which actually isn't surprising these days, that's how all cars are. I remember trying to make changes at Ford, and the service engineer was always bugging me, and I was like "Get lost the plant needs the fix!"
On a side note, I dont usually run into half the problems that you have run into. Just some issues here and there that can be overcome with a grinder or a big hammer.
Actually, I think I'm ahead of schedule. I knew the crossmember would be a PITA. I knew the exhaust would be a PITA, but the nuts on the exhaust manifold coming off easy was a big bonus. I was prepared for those to be ****ed and then... OMG. I've struggled with a few things, but then all the bolts came out of the TC no problem, and it popped off without needing to be "persuaded" to release from the ZF. I do wonder why my LT wouldn't clear the sheet metal when everybody else says it does. I notice there's a slot in the engine mounts, but mine were fairly well centered.
I dont think my knowledge or skill level is anywhere near where it needs to be to tackle a project the size and scope of yours. I would never have the balls to attempt a project like yours. But the more i follow this thread the more confidence(famous last words) I have to tackle bigger projects...
How's your comfort level sitting now that you are deep into the project?
Well, maybe I'm naive, but I'm more confident now than when I started. I built a turbo system from scratch and put it on a car that never had a turbo, and that's still alive, I think I can handle this.
But I'm glad I'm using all factory parts. And new parts, no junkyard junk. And I'm glad that Lucky8 has already (almost) done this. The only thing I'm concerned about is the ECU. I'd rather not have the CEL on permanently.
If Justin hadn't already done this successfully, I wouldn't have attempted it.