Why in the F would you keep driving this thing? Obviously something is NOT right. You are putting a lot of parts at risk. This Truck NEEDS to be towed to a reputable shop.
Lifting the cab is not needed to reseal rear cover. Pull trans and attack it from the back. Don't have to pull turbo or anything. Just lower pan, down pipe, up pipes and oil cooler elbow. Should cost under 2k
I have a fresh GM reman long block in the crate still I'd sell for cheap. ( James. It's my personal not buisness)
Stay away from DFC. The warranty is vary shady along with the core expectations. Also they don't include stuff a fresh engine should have.
I personally would fix it and send it...
The way I did mine with banjo is Mounted banjo on pump and tightened it. Once tight I stuck a sharpie in the inlet and marked the bolt. Pulled it back out and opened it up with a Dremel. It seems restrictive until you look down in the inlet of pump. The problem about a 90 is it's hard to...
1.3x 60ft is super hard to get with a Allison. I've only seen like 4 trucks pull it off.
To the OP. Every truck we switched from caltracs to hillbilly bars we've seen a huge gain. I like caltracs better on 2wd. But on a 4wd you can keep the front end planted better with long bars...