My parents bought this truck in the early 90's and it has served both them and I very well. My dad is about to junk it but I am trying to save it. Like I said it is an 89 with the 4L inline 6 with an automatic transmission and about 160,000 miles. The engine is still really strong and the transmission is smooth and crisp on shifts. 4x4 works without any problems.
There is nothing major wrong with it. The rocker panels are rusting out along with the rear bumper. Those are the only three spots of rust that I know of. People said that the driver's side floor can also rust but I have never seen any there.
I am pretty sure that the power steering pump is on its last legs. The steering wheel wobbles very badly at low speed, but the wheels do not. I looking in the service manual and went through all of there diagnostics and it sounds like the pump.
The driver's side swing window (not really sure what it is called, the one that rotates) leaks and has killed the speaker. The rear speakers die and then come back when I hit bumps so I think there is a loose wire or a short someplace.
I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about fixing the rust and the power steering pump. I have found rocker panels online for about $30 each and a chrome bumper for $60. Does anyone have any good websites to look for parts? Also I am curious about how to install new rocker panels. Once I cut the old ones off how do I protect the new ones from rust, You can not prime them before you weld them on, so how do you protect the exposed metal inside the panel? I do not know how to weld yet but I am going to try to learn at the shop at my school, but what type of welder would I need for such a job, Tig? Any suggestions on a cheap yet adequate welder for my job? On to the bumper, is that just held on with bolts? What about suspension, we put new shocks on a long time ago but they are on their way out, any suggestions? I just want this to be an all around good reliable vehicle. Minor offroading, Cape Cod beaches, snow, and the occasional muddy field, nothing extreme. Although I have a lot more questions I will leave it at that for now.
Thank you for the help. Paul