Still Here, Been Going Through Rough Times...

[ArmyofOne]

Sorry I have been MIA lately folks. For those that dont know, it has been a REALLY rough year for me so far. I am trying to retire (medical) from the Army after 8 years. My mother was diagnosed with hashimoto's disease in february,. A month ago, my grandmother had a stroke. My wifes family has their health issues as well, So the *BLEEP* just keeps coming.

I have been keeping busy lately at home and work, trying to keep my mind off things Yesterday and today were spent removing and replacing a humvee drivetrain.

Picked up the new transmission/transfer case assembly. Pulled as a whole unit from the boneyard. For those wondering this is a Turbo 400 Trans (4L80):

The burnt up 4L80 and T-Case. They share fluid through a fluid coupling between the components so if you burn the trans, the t-case goes with it. Pretty stupid design if you ask me, but eh:

And this is what I found when I pulled the pan and valve body off the burnt up transmission:

The fluid, when removed was the color of 10,000 mile motor oil, and stunk like only burnt Dextron ATF can. Pix speak for themselves.

Meanwhile, I also kept busy with the truck, and I have a new car in my fleet. A 1992 Ford Escort LX 5 spd hatch. She is an awesome beater/runabout that just rolled over 100,000 miles last week. I took time out last weekend and repainted the trucks brake calipers in candy apple red metallic. Had some leftover paint so I went and dressed up the engine bay a bit.

After that I washed and waxed the truck and beater, and called it a day.

And beater pix:

[lenore]

sorry to hear that the cloud of fate has hit your family so hard....Josh keep your head up, you will get past this. Your wife and you are a team and will support each other in these times of need. Nice job on the car....looks great...glad to see your posting again....thank you for your service to our country....God Bless you.

[Mrs_ArmyofOne]

yep the car is a fantastic commhter. not fust but fun to drive, 40mpg and was only $800.

thank you for your kind words lenore. we are coping, life goes on.

[ArmyofOne]

somehow i managed to post the above from my wifes accounrt...not entirely sure how. i think its because i switched from laptop to tablet and she was the last one logged in to facebook on the tablet and thats what i used to log in here. smh. technology so etimes, i swear.

[LEXIRX330]

Army...also sorry to hear. As Lenore said keep your head up.

[13IS250C]

Totally agree. Thanks so much for your service. Best wishes to the family. Let your love of cars comfort you in this dire time.

[SW03ES]

Sorry to hear about the hardships buddy, hang in there...

[pj8708]

When things hit rock bottom, the only diredtion left to go is up. Not now, but this too shall pass.

[cduluk]

Sorry to hear, Army. You'll get through it. In time, only in time.