Any error codes? Is the transmission working correctly? Is the parking brake fully disengaging?

What is your history with this vehicle? Is it new to you? Do you know if the symptoms came on suddenly or gradually?

 

 

If you plan to spend time and effort on your new rig, then it would be well worth it to purchase both the Haines or Chilton manuals AND a copy of the official GM Service Manual (hard-copy or on CD). When I had a '92 I had those manuals and now with my '99 I have them too. The GM manuals are invaluable although they suggest using tools that most of us will not have. Still they give you insight into what is going on and help with troubleshooting.

For your case, it might also be worth handing it over to a local mechanic to have him (or her ) do a thorough check of all of the systems. This will give you a checklist of things to fix and an idea of what needs to be done and in what order. It'll definitely take some of the guess-work out it. Also, with a vehicle in which more than one system could be malfunctioning, it can be hard for a home mechanic to figure out exactly what is going on, especially if the history of the symptoms is not known.

As for your specific issues, a blocked catalytic converter I've heard can cause loss of performance. If the transmission was bad, you would likely see that the engine seems to rev on its own when it shifts to a higher gear. This slipping in the 3/4 clutch packs is a common failure mode.

Look for posts on the forum for how to check if the catalytic converter is plugged. I seem to remember something about taking out the oxygen sensors and measuring the pressures.

Good Luck and be sure to ask for more help.

 

BTW, you can fix the AC later. It is not that hard but you must do a thorough job of it or otherwise you'll just be replacing the compressor in a short time and/or having to recharge the system repeatedly.

 

I would look at the cat also

 

From reading this thread, I would say Christine_208 has it right. You need to diagnose the truck then decide how to proceed.

First check all your fluids...make sure something isn't low.

Then look at the engine bay and under the dash as it sounds like things are not connected correctly i.e. the dash lights not working and gauges not working perhaps check the fuse block. Look at the codes but actually make sure the plug wires are correctly install i.e. right firing order and not burned and shorting out. Check the air filter to see it's dirty. Start basic and then get some information and this board can help.

Has the previous owner installed an aftermarket stereo or alarm system? Is the truck in 4WD all the time?

These trucks will run even if things are done wrong as I have found out with my ZR2 from the tow lot auction. I swear a previous owner was on meth with a power steering pump not bolted up fully, creative belt routing to cover the broken front bearing in the PS pump and the transmission rebuild that had rookie mistakes and an input shell from a 700R4.