Why won't my truck stay running
 

Just bought a 88 sierra with a 350 engine. Drove from Houston to the outskirts of San Antonio and it started sputtering, backfiring. Pulled over and it died on me. Now it will start up but if I take my foot off if the gas pedal it dies every time. Thinking catalytic converter or oxygen sensor but I'm not sure. I only have 20 miles I need to drive it to get it home and work on it. Any ideas how to do that without having to tow it?

Re: Why won't my truck stay running
 

I'd start by checking the timing. If that checks out, I'd look into a sensor like the IAC, MAP, or coolant temp sensor. The CTS and IAC won't throw codes if they go bad. The MAP should throw a code, so I would read the code if you have one.

Re: Why won't my truck stay running
 

ive seen some extremely clogged converters before and never caused the vehicle to die, usually just very underpowered. but if thats something you think it could be, seperate the exahust somewhere before converter and try it. i used to just drill like five 1/4 inch holes before the converter if the connections were too rusty to take apart that way you can just weld them up if thats the issue

Re: Why won't my truck stay running
 

I would be checking fuel pressure. It could just be a plugged up fuel filter.

Re: Why won't my truck stay running
 

Vacuum leak?

Re: Why won't my truck stay running
 

I agree vacuum
Leak.

Re: Why won't my truck stay running
 

Sounds like a lean condition with the backfiring.. checking the fuel filter, fuel pump/pickup strainer on the sending unit and the pressure regulator on the TBI (those springs are prone to break).

Really need to verify fuel pressure at the TBI, or on the far side of the filter to make certain.