88 Silverado

Just bought my first pickup. It's an 88 Silverado extended cab long bed.
Truck is in great shape for it's age but as in any 18 year old it has a few
problems but a lot of potential. I plan on doing as much as possible
(financially feasible) to make it look good & drive forever. While I'm not
a great mechanic, I've done a lot of work on my vehicles when required. The
truck runs great now but it has almost 200,000 miles on it. I figure with
proper care I can get at least another 50-60K out of it. I already have a
91 GMC Vandura that's sitting. The van has a 350 with about 15,000 miles on
it and it's tranny has about 35,000 miles on it. I plan on using those two
major components when the engine in the truck finally die out. The van was
pretty much used like a truck and has the tow package so I'm pretty sure
that engine is plenty for the truck. I also think it probably a little
heavier than the truck. As far as I know, most GMC/Chevy parts are
interchangeable with few or minor adjustments, so when the time comes
hopefully things will go as smoothly as possible (hope I didn't just jinx
myself). If anyone has any suggestions on what may be incompatible between
the two vehicles please let me know so I can start to make the necessary
adjustments. In a couple of weeks, time permitting I want to remove the
engine and transmission from the van for storage until needed for the truck.
What is the best way to preserve both. I was told to pretty much to remove
them from current vehicle, fill them with oil/transmission fluid, then wrap
them until needed. Then of course when needed, drain and put in fresh
fluids & filters. I've never done that so any ideas would be appreciated.
When filling them up exactly how much is required or recommended?

I need help on a few things now. First, where can I find a shop manual for
the truck. I've searched & googled several web sights and can't find it.
The Chilton's & Haynes are readily available but I want something with good
electrical and vacuum diagrams. Next, I'm having some lighting problems
with the truck. The right rear blinker & brake light don't work. I've
changed all flasher relays, all bulbs & I've even swapped out the bulbs to
the other side and they work on the left but not on the passenger's side.
I've looked at the module the lights go in and there appears to be no
breaks. The other lights work okay except for the reverse lights which is
the last problem I have with the truck now. When placed in reverse, the
reverse light flashed for about a second then goes out. Any help would be
greatly appreciated. Thanks..Frank

Shop manual try helminc.com for a new one, they may not be listed on
the site but call their 1-800 # and they have them. You can also try
ebay if you don't mind a used one, they usually have one
around....chiltons/haynes for these trucks are pretty useless(i have
both for my 89 ).

For the reverse lights, have someone jiggle the shifter(is it an auto?)
while in reverse, as far as it will go each way and watch the reverse
lights, probably just need to tighten your shift linkage or adjust your
switch, on mine i have to always push it back up a lil when in reverse
to get lights.

As far as mileage, if the engine/tranny are in good shape and you take
care of them, you should easily get another 100-200K out of them
depeding on how you use the truck.