Mike,

Thanks for the qualification. I have always lusted after the '83 but never
actually encountered one. All of my comments are related to the various blood
stains generated by my '82. Several years ago, I drove around the LA area on
Saturdays with full equipment for stripping the 5 speed trans and shifter
mechanism from an undefended '83 diesel. Then my wife, SWMBO, suggested that
this was not on the up and up and forcefully pressed me to redirect my search
to the salvage yards. Unfortunately, the extended search is similar to a
hardware based fish story - "you'll never believe what just got away from me
this week".

Measurement of the oil level in the center of the pan is obviously better
than at the pan end. Glad to hear its possible.

Thanks,

Frank Grunthaner

PS: And where (ahem) do you park your '83?