Need info on 2wd Pickup? Please Help?

[yip]

I am buying a 92 2wd 5spd pickup from a friend with a 140k miles on it from a friend for a few hundred bucks. It has been sitting for a few years so I was wondering what should I replace/service or check before I just put her back on the road. Another thing is that I was told that there is no more 4th gear. So I will be needing a tranny.

What kind of gas mileage do these trucks get?

What are typical problems with these trucks?

What is the most weight I can tow with this truck (have 3k pound race car/trailer)?

Is there anything I can do to increase fuel economy of 22re (open air filter)?

Where is the best place to get parts for these trucks?

What type of transmission do I need to look for (do I have more than one option, factory code)?

Any info would be much appreciated!

[mudseeker]

just do a basic tune up, oil plugs filters....
1. 15-20 mpg
2. don't know
3. depends on the gearing, transmision and weight of truck
4.regular tune-ups
5.don't know
6. just get the one you got rebuilt alot cheaper, even more cheaper for manual tranny.

[390FE]

First I would change all the fluids and check and/or replace the brakes(pads, rotors, drums) if needed.
Next I would replace the timing chain. I beleve the timing chains are replaced at 150K so now is a good time. Some people get 200K out of a timing chain but this is an interfrearance(sp??) motor and if the chain goes so do some of your valves and your looking at head work as well as a new t-chain. You should be able to do the timing chain for about $75-$100 on you own. Get the metal backed timing chain guides as the stock plastic ones like to brake and fall into the oil pan.

Yep about 20mpg maybe even 22 when truck empty.
rust is an issue on the bed and rear part of frame (look around the rear spring mounts).
the 4cyl might be a bit to small to tow a car with and the brakes are probably not up to stopping the car/trailor once started.
Increase MPG???? Just tune ups. you already got an increase in MPG over the carbed 4 cylinders
Parts... Local parts store, ebay, I got some from dynosaur parts (or somthing like that, he's on ebay also).
Tranny, hope for a good one at the junk yard or get yours rebuilt. I just sold a tranny with transfer case(4x4) for $50 to a guy. Guessing $50-$100 for one at a junk yard.

[yip]

Originally Posted by 390FE

First I would change all the fluids and check and/or replace the brakes(pads, rotors, drums) if needed.
Next I would replace the timing chain. I beleve the timing chains are replaced at 150K so now is a good time. Some people get 200K out of a timing chain but this is an interfrearance(sp??) motor and if the chain goes so do some of your valves and your looking at head work as well as a new t-chain. You should be able to do the timing chain for about $75-$100 on you own. Get the metal backed timing chain guides as the stock plastic ones like to brake and fall into the oil pan.

Yep about 20mpg maybe even 22 when truck empty.
rust is an issue on the bed and rear part of frame (look around the rear spring mounts).
the 4cyl might be a bit to small to tow a car with and the brakes are probably not up to stopping the car/trailor once started.
Increase MPG???? Just tune ups. you already got an increase in MPG over the carbed 4 cylinders
Parts... Local parts store, ebay, I got some from dynosaur parts (or somthing like that, he's on ebay also).
Tranny, hope for a good one at the junk yard or get yours rebuilt. I just sold a tranny with transfer case(4x4) for $50 to a guy. Guessing $50-$100 for one at a junk yard.

Thanks for the great info!

[cabalrd]

sorry i did not read all the replies but there is a mass irf flow sensor cleaner available now, in a can