yep - finally got one! 87 V10 - long bed - 350 - auto

[Jwernatl]

I just picked up an '87 V10 long bed. 160k miles - clean and rust free. With exception of a/c evaporator and water pump its stock as you get.

Unbelievable clean and original. Every bolt and nut seems to be original.

Only a few issues found...

1. I blew out the heater core on the 2hr ride home. I bypassed it and kept on rolling. Think i should repalce the radiator too?

2. The window motors are sloooww.

3. When I drop the transmission in drive, the trans sorta clunks (sorta). Shoild i service trans? Help?

4. In reverse, if I turn sharp on pavement- it effects or seems to tax the engine. Its like the transfer case is not clutching correctly and since the rpms are low it stressing the engine. Make sense? Maybe just a tcase fluid flush replace?

5. Oh yea, it needs tires they're hard! 10 to 15 yrs old? Maybe shocks too, they look original.

See i told ya, its perfect!

Thanks all - i look forward to meeting everyone!

John

 

[bucket]

Howdy!

If the radiator looks ok in and out, I'd run it.

Cleaning and lubing the window tracks and rollers will help a bunch. The window motors may be weak. If taking care of that isn't fast enough, you can use relays to power the window motors.

The clunk is probably just the usual clunk heard in an older car or truck, but it doesn't hurt to check the u-joints and trans mount for slop.

The reverse thing is probably normal. If you go to full lock in either direction, it puts a heavy load on the power steering pump, which puts more load on the engine. Add to that, the tires scrub a lot when turned sharp and reverse is a taller gear ratio than first gear.

 

[jake wells]

Pics or it didn't happen .

 

[Jwernatl]

I was trying, i uploaded them to Dropbox- it starts to pull them from there and gives me an error message....grrr...

 

[Jwernatl]

Howdy!

If the radiator looks ok in and out, I'd run it.

Cleaning and lubing the window tracks and rollers will help a bunch. The window motors may be weak. If taking care of that isn't fast enough, you can use relays to power the window motors.

The clunk is probably just the usual clunk heard in an older car or truck, but it doesn't hurt to check the u-joints and trans mount for slop.

The reverse thing is probably normal. If you go to full lock in either direction, it puts a heavy load on the power steering pump, which puts more load on the engine. Add to that, the tires scrub a lot when turned sharp and reverse is a taller gear ratio than first gear.

Kinda what i was figuring on the trans 'clunk', i'll put a few miles on her.

I think ill swap the rad tho, its a pain, but im in the mood. [No actually im not)

As far as the reverse t-case isssue - whats it take to service it? Im sure its never been done. Is it that involved?

 

[gotyourgoat]

I was trying, i uploaded them to Dropbox- it starts to pull them from there and gives me an error message....grrr...

What? Use the upload a file button. It's the red middle rectangle option between post reply and more options... Picture loaded and fun times had by all.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Definitely check universal joints and trans mount, but also don’t misconstrue a trans clunk for rear end rotational slop and pinion slop. I’d look out for that, listen for an audible ‘woo’ sound coming from the rear while coasting in like third or OD, see if there’s back/forth and side/side play in the yoke on the pumpkin side, and you could even inspect the wear pattern in the gears and service the rear end if you wanted.

 

[Shorty81]

Welcome from the Buckeye State. The transfer case just transfers power, it does not " clutch".

 

[Craig 85]

 

[animal]

 

[Rusty Nail]

Dear John,

LoL..

#1= no. You cant buy one as tough as The General installed. Replacing brass with plastic is not an improvement.


#2=pull the door panels off and clean + lube the tracks like dude suggested. Reassemble.

#3=replace the u-joints. Service trans? No. That's asking for trouble. If you must add fluid Dextron 6 has replaced Dextron 3. You could drop the pan to change the filter but I wouldn't unless you had to. Recent regular driving will do enough to expose the weak links. Bide your time and use it to save money ather than plan modifications.

#4= not abnormal when new.

Re: servicing the transfer case.
Very unlike servicing the transmission because no filter involved. Open the fill plug FIRST and then open drain plug. Refill until fluid comes out -like a differential. I dont remember what to use...

#5= 255/70 for the win.

In closing

 

[Babs]

 

[Crispy]

Welcome aboard. Lets see the truck!

I second Rusty on the radiator. If you are worried about the rad then have it flushed out then rent a pressure tester and test it out yourself. If it passes use it. If it fails, get it fixed.

Heater core is a bit of a job but not as bad as new cars. Mine is currently bypassed, but I barely drive it so that doesnt count lol.

Windows, disassemble and lube. See how you like it. If you still want mo fasta then do the relay mod. Its fairly simple. 2 SPDT relays per motor. One for up and one for down. The relays will mount behind the door panel.
85 - Signal from the window switch
30 - Window motor
87A & 86 - Ground
87 - 12v source. Battery would be best, fused.

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/power-window-relay-mod-on-rear-window.10028/

Driveline clunk, as mentioned. Check U joints and tranny mount. Wouldnt hurt to do the engine mounts at the same time if you do the trans mount.

 

[HotRodPC]

Howdy!

If the radiator looks ok in and out, I'd run it.

Cleaning and lubing the window tracks and rollers will help a bunch. The window motors may be weak. If taking care of that isn't fast enough, you can use relays to power the window motors.

What he said !!!! And I'll add, there is a Relay bypass thread on here somewhere to where you wire your power windowns through relays instead of the factory wiring so they're getting full power instead of being robbed of power through the long harness. Provided you've cleaned up and lubed your tracks first, I hear you can win power window races after you do the Relay wiring hack. We used to have a guy here that could help out with that wiring harness for the windows but it appears he's had some issues with long delays, lack of communication and just short of taking people for a ride with their cash. So ask before you send someone money.

 

[1973c10]

Welcome