Well took months! Dropped the Jeep with local tranny guy early Jan... he called to say it was ready 6 weeks later. So, drove it the 19 miles home, only take a shat (was engaged, but no movement & fluid burnt) going up the hill to shop
Due to "technical issues" (double replacement rear pinion seal on the SuperDuty), finally got it back to him this past Sunday afternoon. Call me *thoroughly shocked*, but he called Wednesday to say it was ready, again... stating "mismatched parts pump parts" and "I should've caught it during reassembly".
He said it was all back to new again and "don't let it get away from you"
When pressed, he said the "shifts were immediate, so no chance of burning clutches". After the 19 miles back to the house, I concur... 1st>2nd is brutal and 2nd>3rd "very firm".
Hopefully, will be able to test it well before first wheeling trip. Time to work on the resulting exhaust leaks, a couple tweaks/upgrades, and whatever jumps out at me before the 1st (Blueridge Jeepfest benefitting a local teen with traumatic brain injury from vehicle accident caused by drunk illegal 4/20), 2nd (Cpl. Jonathan W. Bowling Memorial Ride 4/27), & 3rd (2024 Jeepster JAM @ the backside of Windrock 6/19-23) outings...