Okay, i got back to work today. Wore some heavy gloves on my bad hand but managed to do what I needed.
I found out i had the TOB installed incorrectly. Hmm, guess things happen for a reason because had i not cut my finger i would have slapped the trans in with it installed wrong.
So i fixed it and got the cable run. Clutch feels pretty good!
I also ran the new speedometer cable so that's ready to go.
I also put 8 new spark plugs in, new fresh oil, new oil filter, new PCV and squirted some oil in the cylinders and turned the motor over a few times by hand. Pretty much ready for cranking!
PS: the prob i thought with the starter hitting was a false alarm. With everything bolted up, there is nothing hitting at all when i turn it over by hand
I'm all set to try the trans again. I might get some help tue night. So hopefully i can get to working on putting the rear end in by the end of the week.
Only think i took a pic of today. I figure you guys know what spark plugs looked like