I have now joined the multiple-SWB owner club! My grandparents called me last week asking what to do with their Raider since they bought a new car to replace it. After some talking it became mine <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> They've had it since it was a few years old and its in great shape. It does have the popular "lack of power" issue, however.

I've read a lot of posts about everything from a clogged cat to a bad coil causing that issue so I'll have some troubleshooting to do. I was just about to get some parts for my Raider when they called me about this so I may just end up going for a carb.

Now on to the small differences. I have replaced the front calipers on this thing before so I know they are a bit different than my '87. There are some cosmetic differences like the speedo, wheels, and steering wheel. This one also has bars over the rear side windows which is neat. I am curious about the mechanical changes in case my Raider becomes a parts truck. Both of them have rebuilt 2.6's and both are on the original transmissions.

An issue I need to figure out is the start/flywheel. Sometimes the starter will just grind instead of catch. I just have to let off, let the starter spin down, and give it another try and it will catch and fire up. I have two flywheels laying around so if this is a typical flywheel issue it won't be too bad. What do you guys think?

Mechanically, I think the only significant difference is the front brake system. Other than the parts you mention, there are not any differences in the interior pieces. The lumbar support seats came later. The rear door script is slightly different for the late 88/89 models.

The starter issue could just be a sticky starter or lingering solenoid lockup. I'd take out the starter and grease the gear and shaft, then try again.

For the sluggishness, try a tune up and filters. Then lose the white walls. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

There are some wiring differences.

Not all inclusive, but 87 had constant run rear wiper, and 88 had an intermittent position.

I found your power problem in the photo, there is no clutch pedal <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" /> Just kidding,

They are pretty much the same, except for the front brakes. The transmission may or may not have a lockup converter, Kevin C will know.

I like the bars, have to find a set now <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I don't think there is one manual vehicle in my family, lol.

About the power thing, it feels like the last 10% or so throttle will cause it to bog rather than accelerate. I haven't run a tank through it yet, but they say mileage was something like 14. I will have to get a timing light and vac gauge to test a couple things. I know it got regular filter changes, but still spent most of its time in the garage becuse of the mileage.

I'm not a huge fan of white walls either, but they are still like new and it rides great so we'll see how that goes. The '87 might become more of a trail rig though. Also looks like this one may have a leaky camshaft seal as well. Was there ever a writeup on that?

I've got those bars on the rear side-windows of my 88. I'm not sure of the rhyme or reason on how they were distributed, but most Gen I's I've seen (including 88s) don't have them. They've come in handy more than once when I've had the back of the truck loaded up. I wouldn't strap anything to them, but they'll work fine for keeping stuff from bumping against the windows. At times, I'd thought about replacing them with something much more solidly mounted so that I could run cargo straps to them if needed.