Like the manual hard copy myself. Say, have you noticed a lot of difference in your two trucks Eric, as far as working on them? Is one OBI1 and one OBI 2 ?

Anyway, want to ask the forum whether swapping this engine and possibly transmission with a 96' I have located nearby is feasible. It has the 5 speed and my truck the four speed. So would like perhaps to get the tranny as well as body and better overall cosmetics and non-chewed components! Many benefits if it might be possible and easily done. Concerns are the differences in the F/I hookups and the transmission change mating and length of driveshaft or other differences. Appreciate any insight.

It wouldn't be out of the question, but I'd try to get the whole truck. You are talking about a generational swap, the 87-91 & 92-96 are different in a lot of ways, & to make the 96 work properly it would take the 96 dash panel, which won't fit the 8th generation cab without some intense modification. Normally I'd say just use the sensors from the 88 & & roll on, but since you have almost nothing, and the donor likely has all that, the upgrade might well be worth the effort. The 96 has MAF, which is a good thing, the best FI to ever be installed on the 4.9, & the OBD2 is pretty forgiving, my 96 has a fairly aggressive cam, and it doesn't seem to mind a bit. It will all bolt up, the wiring and fiddly bits are what will drive you to distraction, but since you are pretty much facing rewiring the truck anyhow, you may as well wire it as a generation 9. There is another possibility; a standalone computer, but those cost from 1-2k and the learning curve is steep, still you have a blank sheet of paper......

Indeed, I wasn't clear.
My thought is to put my engine and possibly transmission INTO the 96! The rest of that truck is very good as it is a one owner and engine has been out twice and not running. Maybe also use its 5 speed as a step up from the 4 speed and not sure about a 96 harness on the old 4 speed. May check it out if feasible. Thanks!

That is a bolt in, just use all the 96 stuff, sensors etc, the trans assuming it a 4.9 /small block pattern will work fine, you might want to replace the clutch to bearing & even the flywheel while it is apart, (flywheels are surprisingly cheap) there is no real wiring to a manual trans, other than backup lights. I'd use the 5speed, simply as the truck is already set up for it. Not sure if the distributors are different, but if the plugs are different, might as well swap it out, or just buy a new one, if budget allows, they are a wear item.

Sweet! that's what I was hoping. Have to get over and take a gander at it and see what my impression is. Might save me a lot of time and hassle and get rolling without as much piecing together.

Different computer
different fuel system
different distributer
goes 87-89
90-91
92-93
94-96
Bodys change a little, especially around the inside of the doors and the dashsome bolt right up, some don't.

Skuzz, come to find out its a 95 engine and harness, so OBD 1, like the 88' .
How is the fuel different? The distributor followed the engine. Think the computer was retained. Where would that leave me on a smooth change?

Still a lot of improvements between 88 & 95, If it was running the way they had it, your engine should dovetail right in. the block hasn't really changed much since the 240 300, The heads are pretty much the same since the first Fuel injection, I don't see that as a stumbling block, so long as the sensors and computer suit the truck & you use the later distributor and sensors, I'd imagine that to be as much of a walk in the park as an engine change gets.

Give me a picture of the distributer. If 95 should not have the TFI on it, that would be on the fenderIf the computer and wire harness were changed, it would have a power center box on the driver side fender.It would also have the 1 pump system, no pump in the railI bet they used the 95 block, and the 88 system, whould be fine.Here is the 95 distributor in my 95Eddie Bauer pick up

This is the throttle body. as you can see, a little different than yours

from the front

Don't have access to it till Friday, Skuzz. Will look at the differences and get a photo or two. Thanks for the replies.
Nothing is changed yet. Am thinking of putting the 88' engine into the 96'(truck) with a 95 (engine , harness, distributor), which hasn't worked right since installed. May be I find that the 95' is an easy fix, if not then may swap with my 88'.
Truck overall has much more appeal that this 88'.

Here we go Skuzz, from the potential donor.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...0efc350dc2.jpg

88' distributor

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...8c4ebc9ce4.jpg

88' t/b

Now FINALLY, the answer to this thread.

Yes. It's worth saving. However, looks as though it won't be me doing it.

Simply do not have the time and inclination to undertake the process.

Truck is either to be sold as is, or dispatched to the barn for future parts. As an XLT Lariet, the interior cleaned up really well. And the T18 and I-6 with slip rearend is a winner. Engine is smooth and free with 122 k miles probably just broke in good.

Anywho, i've purchased a 95' with 5speed and 86k miles that will be going to work immediately on the ranch. Like tomorrow AM!

Do I need the OBD1 reader for the 95' ? Will get another thread going for the new truck!
Thanks to everyone for the help with my 1988 questions. Really a fantastic forum for idea sharing and invaluable insights!
Kuddos to all you guys.

You might want to post the location of the truck you are no longer interested in to see if someone here might "rescue" it.