Getting a Project Truck Ready for Daily Use

[Matador]

Hi All-

I have a bit of a strange situation here. We had a transmission go out in a relative's Dakota, so he had to use our only "good" car for a week-long trip. We're stuck with a 1987 Chevy R10 (Fuel Injected 305) that I got running a couple of months ago. Here's what I've Done:

• Oil Change and Filter
• New Tires (Obviously)
• Power Steering Fluid Change
• Brake Fluid Change
• Automatic Transmission Fluid Change
• New Fuel Pump (And New Fuel Filter, Too)
• New Battery
• New Fuel Lines
• Upper and Lower Radiator Hose (Coolant Flush at Same Time)
• New Coolant Overflow Tank
• New Headlights, Taillights, Side Lights,...

I've driven the truck to town a few times and it seems fine. My Oil Pressure gauge seems a bit random, but the truck has always been that way for the last 15 years. I'm assuming about 30 PSI running and driving is fine???

This is our only vehicle for the next week, and we need it to go about 80 miles per day (We're in Wyoming, so it's all highway). I have extras on pretty much all fluids (5 Qt Jug of Castrol, a couple Quarts of ATF, Brake Fluid, Coolant and my tool boxes are in the cab).

Are there any tips on what to watch out for? Any parts that I should replace or anything that I should check?

Thanks for the Help!

[07XCSBZ71]

Belt and heater hoses is about the only thing I didn't see on your list. As per oil pressure, 10# per 1000 rpm is fine.

[andrewmp6]

And roadside on your insurance in case something does go wrong.

[Keith Seymore]

"Stuck"? with an '87?

I've been "stuck" with mine as a daily driver for 27 years (30 miles one way) so I suspect you'll be ok, based on the things you've already done.

K

[crashz]

Sounds like you have a good jump on it. Keep an eye on the fluids, as seals harden and leak. Brakes are another thing to think of.

Actually being forced into DD duty is the best thing for the truck. You'll get all this service done and work out the kinks.

[PAPA KENT]

Depending on how long the truck sat i would be rebuilding the wheel cylinders and repacking the bearings.There is nothing worse than putting the brake pedal to the floor because a wheel cylinder blew or trying to replace a spindle when the old hard grease took out a wheel bearing.

Kent.

[Matador]

Roadside towing- now that's optimistic! I did add it last week, though. By being "stuck", I meant that if something went wrong, we'd be up a creek without a paddle! Compared to the F150 and Dakota I've driven, this is far and away the best. A couple things I noted today:

1. If pushed hard, the brakes seem to pull the truck to the left a bit.
2. My wipers only work on high. In low, they will sputter.
3. I wish I had time to do the front shocks.
4.My turn signals are weird. The left is fine, but the right one lights steady. With the headlights on, my front left marker lamp is on, though.

Any thoughts on the lights? Also, I've been wanting to do brakes on it for a while. I'm sure there are tons of writeups on how to do brakes- any tips...

Thanks for the help!