I'm not too familiar with the RRC but a friend is considering buying an 88. What are the good/bad things of an 88 as it came out of the factory?

Thanks,
--Craig

Like, a 1988 RRC?

yep.

the good:

- factory LT230
- slightly fewer electrics compared to later years
- brakes are vacuum assist and pretty simple to work on. they're not as strong as ABS brakes but repair costs are much cheaper.

the bad:
- 3.5L is anemic even compared to the 3.9L equipped in '89 and up
- has earlier version of the 13cux engine management system. it operates fine, but the later model
versions have a code-reader built-in. i believe you can retrieve codes with the older system but it's more difficult to interpret - you hvae to count the number of times the engine light blinks or someother such nonsense.


those are the biggies.

general stuff - be prepared for a good brake job that includes a fluid flush and change, new pads, and potentially new rotors. the steering will likely need worked on as well if it's stock. transmissions are generally pretty tough on these but without proper care can and will go south - be on the lookout for slipping on the test drive. also, if it shifts really hard from 1st to 2nd when cold that's also a bad sign. sometimes the fluid is just old, sometimes the transmission is just done.

look for excessive rust under the passenger front floorboard. there will likely be some but you don't want holes. the upper part of the tail-gate (w/ glass) is also a common rust area. might be points to haggle price on.

if the frame looks to be seriously rusted in any place walk away - there are plenty of other rigs out there.

feel free to ping me with anything specific -

cheers
-isaac

Cool. Thanks Isaac. Unfortunately the truck was sold. I'm hoping my friend will be able to find another similar good deal and get out on the trail with us. Let me know if you find a good deal on an RRC with extras already included?

--Craig

how good of a deal is he looking for? my LWB is up for sale. not really any extras, besides a roof rack and a tired transmission. i've got the stuff to do a coil conversion and some "fresher" woodhead shocks; they're not new but they seem to be in good shape.

the 4.2L is pretty strong still and has just had a good tuneup and the timing bumped a couple degrees. if he has kids at all the LWB is pretty nice with all the extra leg room. it's a '94.

if you think he might be interested shoot me a PM.