Pre-oiling before first start trick

[Juan Veldez]

Went to True Value and picked up a paint stirring rod for about $15. Same hex size as the oil pump. Cut off the "stirring" end, sanded off the paint for the oil pump end, and it's the perfect length. They have these at Lowes and Home Depot also. Cheaper alternative. Cheers!

 

[Katfish]

Great idea, if you have time, wait for HF sale and get 1 for $5.
I'm painting my house.

https://www.harborfreight.com/15-12-in-paint-and-thin-coating-mixing-paddle-58334.html

 

[Ronbo73]

When I was younger I worked at a salvage yard and 90's ford taurus's automatic transmissions have the exact shaft. It just slips in behind the torque converter. A core transmission donated it to me.

 

[Xcudame]

Great inexpensive ideas. I bought a piece of hex rod about 35 years ago. I keep it in my tool box. I had my own tools for years and then when my good friend and Mopar mentor passed away many years ago, I inherited his monster tool box filled with lots of goodies!