help!!

[ben1272]

I have an '88 Grand Wagoneer. It has 140k miles, and runs poorly. Idle isnt too bad, but under load (i.e. driving) it really farts and poops and stalls. No blue smoke, which I think is a good thing. Also leaks ATF enough to be repaired. Power steering squeals and doesnt feel too smooth.

I like the truck and would like to use it as a daily driver, but I am worried about what it needs for repair. What should a good engine/tranny rebuild cost me? What would you guys recommend I do? I am a semi-decent mechanic, but it is winter and I HATE working on cars in the cold, so I am inclined to pay for repairs.

Any suggestions??

Thanks in advance,

Ben

[BobBarry]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ben1272:
I have an '88 Grand Wagoneer. It has 140k miles, and runs poorly. Idle isnt too bad, but under load (i.e. driving) it really farts and poops and stalls. No blue smoke, which I think is a good thing. Also leaks ATF enough to be repaired. Power steering squeals and doesnt feel too smooth.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ben,

Tidy up the vacuum lines first (they are undoubtedly broken and misrouted, if you've bought this used). $10 of new hose, properly routed, will make a world of difference.

Also rebuild the carb, for starters; power valves and accelerator pumps go on these 2150's, causing driveability problems. Also be sure to lube the accelerator pump linkage at the throttle-shaft; when that gets sticky, the truck won't drive smoothly.

Rebuilding everything will cost about $2500-$3500 installed, depending on who you have do the work.

My '88 exhibited similar conditions; I installed a rebuilt engine at 165,000 miles, though the tranny has been a champ. Now the steering box is starting to leak, so I'll rebuild a replacement one and install it in the spring.

BTW, our '88 is our daily driver, and is dependable, as long as I keep on top of maintaining it.

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Bob Barry<UL TYPE=SQUARE>* '78 Cherokee 4-door
* '88 Grand Wagoneer[/list]http://studentweb.providence.edu/~rbarry/wheels/

[Bahamut]

when mine exibited simmaler systoms i ajusted the timing and now it runs fine i would try that first it is cheaper and most people can do it themselves i know i can


only took an hour to time it properly and i too have a tranny leak check where the trans and Trnsfer case join that is where mine leaks




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The Beast
1975 Jeep Wagoneer
Bald Tires
Old 360
Leaking TH400
BWQT W/Reduction unit(bad shift lever)
Delco Alternator(riged mounts)
Slightly Saggin Springs
Good Sound system
Parts Killer

[MonsterMash]

I agree that the easiest think to check first is the timing and ign. system (cap/rotor/wires)as these items require regular maintenance anyway. Vacuum line replacement is also cheap and easy. On my rig I needed two different sized lines so take a clipping of the big and little hoses with you when you go to get your replacement hoses. If your P/S fluid res. is full check the belt tension as a loose belt will cause a squeal. Do you know where your ATF leaks from? I had a motor put into my rig a couple of years ago for about $1700. Still nursing the tranny.

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" I'm not going to make policy based on guilt."
--Gov. George "Dubya" Bush

"The internal combustion engine is the single greatest threat to life on this planet."
--Vice Pres. Al Gore
(I guess he walks to work?)

'84GW360--"Spinner"
'84 Ford truck ignition
Electric fuel pump
9.50x30x15 Dirt-Diggers
No emmissions crap
Otherwise stock
(soon to be 4v)