Like I said in a previous post, I wanted to drive the $2000 truck for a week to make any issues readily apparent and make sure I actually enjoy the truck. Other than the left hand turning radius I'm very happy with it.

Finally the cooling system had a check up since I could smell burning coolant and noticed a slight loss in the reservoir. It wasn't massive, with only a 4si loss during the length of the test, but coming fairly steady out of the head gaskets. She'll soon be torn down, heads skimmed, and put back together, everything replaced that comes with the kit. I'm also thinking it wise to do the water pump, and various belts/hoses that get in the way. Should I worry about the timing chain? Anything else I'm missing while I'm there?

I'm also popping off the driveshaft and having it rebuilt, and working systematically through the fluids.

It really does run nicely, and I don't think its ever been overheated.

Here are some photos below. Not perfect but pretty clean for the age.

 

As you start, when top cover comes off you will be able to attach pressure gauge to schrader valve on fuel injection system, quick test of fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator.

The water pump does not require front cover removal. But if you remove it, front crank seal will be done by default, you could do oil pump (a good investment) and timing chain (there was a post about a $30 cross reference to a chevy model).

 

Well, she's all sorted.

New head gaskets, skimmed heads, new water pump, new belts and hoses, rebuilt driveshaft, fresh fluids in the transmission, transfer case (which was resealed), both diffs, brakes and power steering. Also got a new mass airflow meter and new plugs/wires which solved the check engine light.