A few questions regarding my 87

[Jared's 87]

I have some questions about my truck, this will be lengthy, but I figured I would try to cover everything in one thread.


1. Tach
After doing some research on Tach dashes, I have come to realize that they just wont work on my 87 because of VSS or something (by all means correct me if I am wrong) I really had desired one but wanted to use MY Speedo b/c of the 4wd light (maybe they all come that way, I dont know) and it seems with my setup it just wont work. My initial plan was to buy a tach dash and just use the Tach and fuel gauge out of it in my cluster. But anyway, back to the question, what is a decently priced/ reliable tach? I know there are tons out there, but I want one mainly for troubleshooting purposes (no racing/heavy performance stuff)


2. A/C
The truck didnt have all the A/C components when I bought it. The in cab stuff is all there now (controls, duct, vents, replaced all vac lines, actuators work great, blend doors fully operational, and heater/defrost work great as well) The truck has the evaporator and drier and what looks to me as all the electrical connections including the harness which I believe will go to the compressor. I picked up a dual line, condenser line, and condenser at my local Pull-a-Part today (hope the condenser works) It all came out of an 85 CC, I hope they interchange! Didnt get a compressor, figued I should just get a new/reman one instead. I have what appears to be the A/C compressor bracket already in the truck, is there only ONE? If any of you guys could show me a couple underhood pics of you A/C systems, that would help me a ton, assuming there are quite a few years with the same setup. I hear now that you cant get R-12 anymore, so is the 134A my only option? What will I have to do to convert? If the condenser and line that I bought today wont work for me, its not gonna break my heart, bought on a whim. I am really determined to try and get this thing going myself, and could use any advice or input you guys can share. I have notice that the truck has a tranny cooler in front of the radiator (not sure if this was a stock item), but would the tranny cooler be able to stay or go to put a condenser in?


Whew, almost done...

3. Engine
Since I bought the truck, it has received new plugs/wires, PCV, Fuel filter, Seafoam treatment (Both tanks, TBI, and Crankcase), new engine vac lines, Air filter, fresh oil w/ some Lucas stabilizer, and a battery. Simple stuff I know, but I figured I would take care of the easy stuff first. Cold start, cranks great, has a bit of a lope (may have an aftermarket cam, I cannot be sure). After she warms up a bit, the idle comes down and chokes it pretty bad, kills quite often, mainly in gear stopped with brakes applied. It has a new IAC as well, injectors look to be spraying equally, havent checked the fuel pressure yet. While driving, she runs great, a little smoke/soot out the dual exhaust, so not sure whats causing that. Has plenty of getup for the tires and gears 35"/3.08. I just cant seem to figure out the stalling problem, thats where I need some ideas. Oh, and BTW, the motor has had a rebuild approx 30k ago according to PO, found receipts as well..


Like mentioned before, any advice/input you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Hope to get to know you guys better as well, this is such a great forum.

Thanks in advance

Jared