New guy from Iowa

[shadow94]

Hello everyone.

I'm from the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area. I'm not a mechanic but I do have tools. I am learning to weld at college and plan on getting my AAS degree by next year. My first pickup truck was a 77' Chevy 1/2 ton 2wd. I have always stayed in the late 70's range when getting trucks. I like Chevy’s the best. Probably because of their look. I am not set on just one brand or just trucks, I currently have:

Chevy/Gmc trucks:
1979 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 with 4" lift and 33" tires, 454 motor
1977 GMC 1/2 ton 4x4 with 4" lift and 33" tires (no motor in it right now)
1994 GMC 1 ton 4x4 dually, 454 motor

Ford trucks:
1979 Ford 1 ton cube truck, 14' box, 351 motor
1989 Ford 1 ton extended van, 351 motor
1990 Ford 1 ton extended hightop van with wheelchair left, 351 motor

Dodge truck:
1979 Dodge 1 ton cube truck, 12' box, 360 motor

Military:
1953 Reo military deuce semi tractor (M275A2), straight 6 cyl motor

Cars:
1988 Chevy Camaro Z28, 350 motor
1989 Ford Crown Vic, 351 motor

Others:
1981 HMV Freeway 16hp motor (3 wheeled vehicle)
1944 Cushman Airborne Scooter (model 53), 1-cylinder 4.6hp


Vehicles that I have owned in the past:

Chevy's:
1979 GMC 3/4 ton 4wd snowplow truck, 305cid
1978 Chevy Blazer 1/2 ton 4wd, 400cid
1977 Chevy 1/2 ton 2wd, 350cid
1977 Chevy 1/2 ton 2wd, 350cid
1977 Chevy 1/2 ton 4wd, 305cid

Dodge's:
1978 Dodge 1/2 ton 4wd, 360cid
1977 Dodge Ramcharger 4wd, 360cid

Ford:
1979 Ford 1 ton 2wd camper special, 460cid

Cars:
1987 Chevy cavalier, v6
1986 Olds Cutlass, 301cid?
1983 Geo metro
1981 Honda civic, 4cyl
1969 Dodge Charger, 383cid


I wish all of my current vehicles were in running shape. Each is in a different state of dis-repair. Ranging from flat tires to no engine. I am currently driving my 94 GMC and have some issue with it that I need help with. It has issues from tail lights, tranny shifting, and engine running problems. I am going to post for help with the engine running issues first as they are the most important on the list.