More on the T56 install. First I need to mention this wouldn't have been possible without the help of a good friend whom I met through Bob. He was the executor of Bob's estate and an avid hot-rodder. He has been more than generous storing my car for the past 3 years in one of the shops at his house. The drive on lift and his assistance and guidance made the project substantially easier than solo in my garage on jack stands. Even though I had to travel 15-20 minutes one way to his shop the lift and space were well worth the travel.
One thing I learned about the T56 1st Gen F body install is many people say they will fit without cutting the tunnel. After multiple trial fits and measurements there must be quite a difference in the floor pans from factory to factory. With a drivetrain angle of 2.25-2.5* downward and new full height sub-frame mounts mine was a full 1/2" high at the shifter cover bolts on the right side. Access to the top bolts on Quicktime scatter shield was also very tight, 3' extention with a wobble end just barely fit.
This is the final clearance after manipulating the tunnel with bottle jacks and wood blocks.
I built this cover to gain clearance and also access to the shifter
Another thing I learned........
When levering the sub-frame down to squeeze the cross-member into position make sure the pry-bar doesn't lose it's bite.
I had no idea how fast my hands really are.
A strategically placed fabric band-aid stopped the bleeding during what ended up being a 14 hour thrash. Cleaned it up when I got home and used butterfly closures for a few days. I should have sutured or super glued it as I now have a life long scar as a reminder of my personal one-punch azz-kicking.......and a little dain bramage.