I took the '86 down the highway for the first time since I got him running. 80mph with no problems. It has GREAT road manners (Compared to the wobbly S-10 Blazer I used to have). It even took me from 50 to 80 rather quickly in 5th gear. I didn't have to downshift (Like I did with my Isuzu Troopers). It holds great oil pressure and the temp guage looks great too. So in the end, here's what I did...
Remanned heads from Cylinder Heads Intl. (Awesome buy! I got the updated heads with the "90TM" casting. The bolt bosses on the front and back of the heads were different sizes from the originals, so I had to replace a handful of bolts). New water pump, thermostat, radiator and hoses after cleaning out the water jackets in the block and intake with easy-off and a long flexible brush. I flushed out the cooling system twice and put on new tires. I found a deal on a set of Goodyear Wrangler ATs. Under $400.00 for 5 tires.
I cleaned and painted both parts of the intake and cleaned out and polished the passage through the throttle plate. I changed the transmission oil and have ordered a new drive shaft from Jeff's. I went with the conversion to get away from the GKN "CV" style shaft. I have also ordered replacement light lenses for the tails, markers and turn signals... Not that all that was needed... I only needed one tail light lens, but I found a set of all exterior lenses for less than $50.00... So I got them.
I 409'ed and Purple Powered the inside and gave it a good vacuum. It isn't in bad shape at all. This truck is actually turning out to be better than I expected. I got it through the state inspection with the toughest inspector I have ever met, so it must really be roadworthy!
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