Hello all! I need some advice. My '95 has been sitting since 2020 with a blown engine and I've finally decided to have it rebuilt/replaced. I'm thinking about ordering one of these (Rebuilt Engine). The current engine blew a HG in 2017or 2018, and after having it rebuilt, I still had low compression/overheating issues, so I'm thinking it's time for a new engine. My mechanic basically only does drivetrain work, so nothing major with the wiring, no interior work, or body work. Aside from the engine, what else would you all have done to make sure the trucks in top running condition?

Current modifications when it was parked:
Steel bumpers front and back
Rock sliders
Steel roof rack
2" Terrafirma HD suspension
Diff Breathers
Tom Woods DS with greaseable joints
Warn 8000 winch

​​​​Overy the next year, I plan on fully restoring the interior (headliner, seats, sound system, etc), possible paint job, and new storage for camping. Id love to completely rewire the entire truck, but that may be way out of my wheelhouse of skills. But, for right now I just need to get this thing running reliably. Thanks for all your help

 

Unless your wiring is horrible I think you’d do more harm than good to completely rewire it.

 

My '94 recently got new ignition system components. Pertronix distributor and coil, enlarged plug gap, good set of NGK wires. Those are not super expensive, but make a huge improvement in starting and running. Pertronix has designed an excellent timing advance curve for the Rover V8. Installed a Flow Kooler water pump and new normal duty fan clutch.

Moved the vacuum advance source from factory ported to direct manifold vacuum for better idle and cooler running. In addition, a new set of Accel injectors has breathed new life into the old beast. Ford 4-hole, 19#/hr injectors work good too. Just measured 13.7 MPG vs 11 - 12 previously for mostly around town with some highway miles. In fact, maybe try all these before changing the motor. If need be all could be transplanted to a new motor later.

Maybe hit the motor with an oil treatment designed to blast the carbon (e.g. BG EPR). Make sure the cats aren't clogged or melted. The PO simply broke out the ceramic on mine. And a fresh pair of O2 sensors might help. Changed the cooling system to unpressurized. It is very cool now with the manifold vacuum advance. Check out the front hubs and steering linkages and bushings. A fresh set of springs and shocks. Normal attention to drive shafts and gear oil levels and you should be good to go. Did your rebuild involve crank and rod bearings, oil pump and seals?, or just the heads?