tecatebob
07-09-2007, 02:19 AM
I acquired my 1987 Dakota from a very good friend, he gave it to me. He came to me about 3 years ago and asked if I wanted the truck, at that time I didn’t need it but told him I would think about it for 1 of my sons’. Well about 6 months went by and he asked me again, he said he had a chance to sell it. I told him to sell it and take the money instead of just giving it away. This went on for about 2 years. I finally needed a truck for work and asked him if the offer was still good and he said sure, this was last year 02/06. The truck was sitting on the side of his house for 5 years and never started. I went and got a new battery and some starting fluid to see if it would run. I checked the gas tank and the gas was good in it and the oil was pretty clean. So I gave her a shot of fluid and she came to life. I proceeded and removed the fuel line from the carb and just kept giving it a shot of fluid until the good gas came from the line. Then reconnected it and fired her up. I was shocked and so was my friend that it ran. I drove it home only about 2 blocks. The calipers were dragging, so I rebuilt them and replaced the bearings and pads. Next gave her a motor flush with fresh oil and filter and changed it again. Flushed the cooling system also. She had about 285000 miles then. My buddy took real good care of her. After I got all this fixed I got a temporary tag and had her emission, passed with flying colors. Besides replacing the motor last month the only other major repair was the transmission last year, which I knew wasn’t going to last long. I don’t think I will ever get rid of this truck. It’s been one tough S.O.B. My plans are to find another work truck here real soon and spend more time to make this truck something special, because it came from a true friend. boB