Drove the truck to see If I would notice any different with the maf sensor unplugged but didn't change anything so the shop can look at it

 

Sounds like your better off with a newer truck. As these old trucks get older more and more work is going to be needed. If you don`t start learning how to work on them it is better to get rid of them.

 

X2. Its going to cost a bundle in shop fees. That s how I make my living.

 

That could be the next step
Thanks guys

 

Its all a matter of preference. If you have the time and are a little handy you can easily learn to do most of the work on this truck. Its a pretty simple vehicle to work on. But it will take time in labor and research and money in tools and a lot of patience. You should also have a second means of transportation. Or you can spend a bit more money on newer vehicle and when it wears out too much sell it and repeat. But owning an old vehicle and not having the work done by professionals will cost a fortune and be nothing but frustration. I suppose the other option is to have an older vehicle restored all at once but that's kind of a big investment for a daily driver.

 

It was the cats causing all the issues!! And installed a new o2 sensor

 

Keep an eye on it and check your codes regularly. There was a reason the cats backed up. Hopefully it was the bad O2 sensor. A job like that you don't want to pay for twice.

 

I think the main cause of the cats went bad was the previous owner before block the egr valve off

 

Yeah that would do it. As well as costing MPG and increasing emissions. Is the EGR still disconnected?

 

It just occurred to me, this is a 96 with OBDII right? Having EGR disconnected on OBDII should play havoc with the ecu. Its designed to check the function of the system and set codes and even run in default mode if EGR malfunctions. Same thing with the air system ( smog pump ). If the po removed the EGR its pretty likely he disabled the air as well.