If I was doing it, I'd say do a motor flush and change the oil and filter again a couple more times. Then dump a can of restore in when you change the oil the last time. I'd also do a full tune-up inc. cap, rotor, wires and plugs...and of course the air filter. A radiator flush and fill is also probably long overdue.

After that, if the truck is running good and there's no blue smoke out the tailpipe you should be good to go. These engines have been around for many years and are virtually bulletproof.

I have an absent minded brother-in-law whohas gone10-15 thousand miles between changes on his '99 Dakota 3.9L several times and the engine just keeps running like a top.

Just gather the advice we've all given you and do whatever's the best or in the budget.

Let's face it, if the motor isn't knocking, ticking, pinging, grindingthen it's probably not damaged (too much) and shouldn't need a rebuild....in other words....Treat it like a sore dick and don't f**k with it!

 

If he is that much of an idiot to get mad at you for trying to fix what he screwed up - then I would let him have it back with a copy of this whole thread in the drivers seat......
Let him figure it out.
If not - do the flush and change every 1k for a couple times, Restore won't hurt either, but I would wait til the 2nd or 3rd time to use that. Cap, rotor, plugs, and wires will help it run better also - that stuff has probably never been changed either and will make a big difference.
Good Luck.

 

Dude he dont deserve u even caring about his neglected piece of crap...Put ur efforts towards a girlfreinds car, or even better ur own......sounds like u just need something to work on/maintain...just my opinion though.

 

I have a 1991 camaro and a messed up ford explorer to work on. I just can't stand to see the truck neglected. Mostly because it's got the 360 and i like the truck!

 

Well.... my uncle refuses to use the engine flush. He says that it runs fine right now, but is still complaining about the lack of power. I was driving it and the transmission seems to have a lot of hesitation. I think that would also explain some of the power loss.

 

I wouldn't waste my time working on it anymore then. You Can't Fix Stupid.........

 

If that's the case, walk away.
Don't touch it again.

 

HEY! Just an update on the truck. It has been running good since i changed the oil. I will be changing the oil again soon and i will see what it looks like.
Which got me thinking, these engines are really strong! It still has very good oil pressure and is consuming little oil if any at all.[sm=thanx.gif]