alright well my girlfriend's dad let me borrow this truck, I was surprised that it was still in decent body shape, anyways I have a few questions.

When I try to just drive normally and legally, it chugs when its about to change gears unless you step on the gas...whats that?

also the truck has around 262,000 on it? I know it depends on how it was driven but whats usually the life expectancy of these v8s ...5.0L btw. I would tell you for sure but I can't get the hood open..

 

That's pretty high mileage for a 5.0L; has it been maintained? Oil, filters, fluids? I'd start with a new fuel filter & some Berryman's B-12 pour-in fuel treatment, then check pressure at the rail. Those '84-89 EFIs have a really flaky fuel pump system.

Have an assistant hold the hood release while you pound on the corners of the hood to get it to pop up. Then reach thru the grille beside the blue oval to release the safety catch.