What do I need to know about my new truck? 89 Jimmy

[76k5blazerr]

So today I traded my 95 Jeep YJ for an 89 Jimmy. A little background, I had an old flatbed car hauler for awhile that was thrown in on another trade I made a year or so ago, back in July I traded the trailer for an 85 blazer, then after a week traded that blazer for the 95 YJ, drove that through the summer and today traded it for the Jimmy. So I basically have no money in the Jimmy, maybe 5-600 bucks if you will. Its something I have been looking for for awhile. It is all original except for the radio, has the TBI 350, 700R4, 208 tcase I assume, working AC, power windows and locks, super clean interior etc. Drove it home 100 miles cruising 75 with no issues. Anyway, I have never owned a computer controlled, fuel injected k5, but I do know the old k5s well and I wanted to get some info from you guys who have.

What are the common problems with these rigs? (87-91)
What are the most common to fail parts that can be carried with me in the truck that could save me on the side of the road?
What needs to be cleaned/replaced as routine maintenance?
Anything else I need to know about this truck?

Also, the only thing that doesn't work is the cruise control, I would like to get this working, what are the common failure points in the CC system?

My current plan for this rig is to fix it up nice, keep it stock and DD it, It needs rockers, a quarter panel patch and paint. Thats the only rust. I'll post pics later, gotta renew my membership first.

So gang, educate me!

 

[frankin5]

First year of the 241 transfer case and last year for speedometer cable. Check fuse, linkage,vacuum and the brake switch with the vacuum hose for proper adjustment. If the brake pedal is not holding the switch closed, cruise will not work.check to see if VSS is plugged into the speedometer.

 

[76k5blazerr]

First year of the 241 transfer case and last year for speedometer cable. Check fuse, linkage,vacuum and the brake switch with the vacuum hose for proper adjustment. If the brake pedal is not holding the switch closed, cruise will not work.check to see if VSS is plugged into the speedometer.

Thanks, could you elaborate a little on how and what to check?

 

[frankin5]

Most of the above is all visual.There is a control module on the passenger side of the brake support. The VSS is a green module . You can reach up under the dash and feel that the VSS is plugged into the speedo. Check dyeager535 he has a link to service manuals that will help trouble shoot it. i don't have access to my 1990 manual right now due to remodeling.

 

[RivMan]

The cruse control stalk is an extremely common point of failure. On my 1990 That's all that was wrong with the cruise, and the failure was so common that the local Autozone had a replacement part hanging in the "Help" section.

-Rob

 

[nvrenuf]

What are the common problems with these rigs? (87-91)

At some point, they ALL develop cracks in the frame around the steering gear box. Check Off Road Design's bolt on and weld on steering brace kits.

 

[76k5blazerr]

At some point, they ALL develop cracks in the frame around the steering gear box. Check Off Road Design's bolt on and weld on steering brace kits.

Yeah, I know about that. Looking for information on this particular gen of trucks, never had a TBI before.

 

[76k5blazerr]

Current plan is to replace the u joints to hopefully fix a slight clunk when going into gear, and maybe the transmission mount. Also going to do the rear shocks so its less bouncy going over speed bumps. Going to change the oil and fix the sending unit ground so the gas gauge will work, and the passenger side tailgate cable is broken, so I will replace that. Then I will move on to the bodywork, the PO gave me new rockers so I'll do those first and then look into the outer wheelhouse patch panels that I'll need.

 

[az_762_nato]

The only things I keep in my glove box are a spare fuel pump relay and a spare module for the distributor (and I drive mine 800mi a week). Buy/borrow/build an ALDL cable for datalogging, a few logs will show you a lot.