OK so I got my engine issue resolved, it was a plugged fuel line. I know that the three RZ sits at 10 degrees at the valve cover off level ,but is it normal for the transmission and transfer case to sit at an angle?
Glad you got the engine issue figured out. It's about bloody time! As for the angle of the transmission, no. If you remove the shift handle and place a level atop the shifter base, it should read 0-degrees.
There are two easy features to identify on the engine itself to determine if it's level:
1. The Power Steering reservoir stands straight up. Remove the reservoir cap and place a level across the opening. It should read 0-degrees.
2. The throttle body is horizontal. The intake manifold is designed to compensate for the off-tilt of the cylinder head while keeping the throttle body level at 0-degrees. I'm not sure if the flat section atop the intake manifold just after the throttle body flange is level, but the throttle body is.
Slapping your level across the rim of the opening of your power steering reservoir is the simplest way to check for proper engine alignment. A quick glance-over to make sure the reservoir isn't bent or damaged would be a good idea also as I've seen engines pulled from wrecked donors where the reservoir got slightly bent from some front end collision. You could even place your level 90-degrees off (parallel with your frame rails) to check if your cross member mount is too high or too low. I imagine there is some tilt from forward-to-back even on a stock 22R. Wouldn't be a bad idea to compare this measurement with another vehicle if you have access to one.
Regards,
BigMike
