I have a 1987 2.8/AT combo. It has a rear main seal that is going bad. Is this an expensive problem? Perhaps I could just replace the whole motor? Whatcha guys think?

Reading your previous posts and your planned lift&tire size, the bigger engine, the better. You could go with a 3.4L V-6 from a GM f-body(93-95 Camaro/Firebird) or go for a 350 with a nice 700R-4/NP321 behind it. That combined with 4.56 gears and 33-35" tires should be great! The 3.4 will bolt right up to your present transmission, but will only produce 180-190HP TOPS and thats at a higher RPM than a 90 degree engine. For what you'd have in a 3.4 swap, you could likely buy a good used 350TBI/700R-4/NP231 from a wrecked truck. It depends on what you plan on doing with the truck. Oh, BTW pulling the engine and or trans is a PIA and should only be done once, so make it count! If you think the 2.8 has life left in it still and will produce enough power to turn the lower gears and larger tires, just replace the seal. Also a good time to fix ALL the oil leaks(remote oil filter lines, oil pan gasket) Good luck.
A.Gdog

1989 S-10 4x4 4.3L/700R-4, 3.08s, 31" Sport Kings
1989 Blazer 4x4 4.3L/700R-4 3.42s,235 Sport Tracks
1985 S-10 4x4 Soon to have 3504BM/TH350/D44/14FF, 35" Boggers

thanks for the info. I will more than likely do the 350 swap. I live by rancho cordova, ca, which has more wrecking yards than any place I have ever been to. I can get a 350tbi/700r4/231 complete for less than 1500$.

<font face="Comic Sans MS">By doing that in CA you might be opening up a major can of worms... Just make sure you scavenge every last bit of emissions equipment out of the donor vehicle and make sure that you hook it all up in your truck [img]/wwwthreads_images/icons/frown.gif[/img]... Also make sure you call up the DMV anonymously and ask them some questions like how to register it legally and how to get it refereed or inspected and the costs associated with that.</font>

Tim "Sandman"

ORC Land Use columnist:
My November article on ORC

I know- it sucks out here with all the laws! I am familiar with the laws concerning this- www.allangoodson.com thats my dads jeep- 550 HP Wrangler 5.0 6PSI charged, 40" Boggers.