When I saw the first pic I was crushed, but after seeing the closeups, it doesn't seem all that bad. Sure the interior is toast, but the steel doesn't look ruined. Needs sand blasting and some paint. New interior and wiring and it should be good to go. All depends on how much of a project you're looking for.
I'll avoid the obvious ones like the lift and 4wd conversion and just look at specific additions to the 88.
1: rocker guards. I could not possibly be happier with my design. :D
2: 33x14 boggers for the rear. not that the trXus aren't cutting it, but come on, they're BOGGERS! They are insanely wide and gnarly looking and the traction is phenomenal.
3: disk brake conversion for the 9". I hated those stupid 30 year old drums. :fs1:
wow, that was a harder list to make than I thought. I guess it shows I don't do anything to my baby unless it's awesome. :yes:
specific to 87? not really. but to MJs in general... check for rust: under carpet, behind bedside panel (look up from below), rockers, bottom edge of doors. Even if you're in a "rust-free" zone and the seller advertises a "rust-free" truck, check under the carpet. No MJ is immune to water leaks in the cab.
as I understand it, for power steering you'll need everything associated with the system from a like-era, same-engine MJ/XJ (pump, brackets, hoses, steering box, etc).
match that late-model grand waggy front axle with the rear axle from a mid 90s Isuzu Rodeo or Honda passport. It's the same width, same wheel bolt pattern, it's a Dana 44, and it comes with 4.10 or 4.56 gears and disk brakes under a v6 model. You just need to swap out the pinion flange with a U-joint flange.
how much of a project are you looking for? You could swap over the trans and be out driving the next day, or you could swap everything over and then not drive your new truck for the next 6 months or so. :dunno:
having a truck, a trailer, and a minivan at my home, I'm practically on-call among my friends for moving things from point A to point B. :yes: But the commute to you would be killer for sure. :ack:
all rust is serious. once it starts, it will not go away completely. Most procedures for dealing with rust are mere bandaids. :(
POR-15 is the best bandaid of the bunch. :yes: