Well looks like I am changing directions a little. I found a "brand new" 2.8 complete engine. It has everything on it, intake, TBI, distributor, water pump, plugs, wires, oil pan, valve covers, flywheel etc, and is ready to be dropped in as soon as I get the old one out. Not remaned, but actually new with a warranty. At $1550 I could not resist. This is my first engine swap, I figure this might be more manageable than the 3.4 I will save that for the next one if and when it needs it....

See, I found another Trooper and brought it home. An 89 LS loaded with 122000 one owner miles. This one is in really good condition inside and out. Everything seems to work as it should. It has fairly new Mich LTX M&S tires and nice working CD player. Kind of wish I had found it before the other one, but hey having a two Trooper II family
has a nice ring. The remarkable thing was the price. I only paid $800 for it.

It has been mostly sitting for the last 3 years. Any tips on what I should before putting it back in regular service full time? I drove it home last night. Seems to have decent power. Runs fairly smooth. Sounds like it might have an exhaust leak and it idles high on start up and then still kind of high at times when warmed-up. I plan to go through and change all the fluids first thing, run a compression check, change the plugs etc.

The one really noticeable thing is what feels like excessive driveline slop. Any suggestions on what to look at?

My wife thinks I am starting a repair and recovery program for wayward Troopers.... she might be right