I'm having several problems and need some guidance.

First- my fuel shutoff solenoid will not come up on its own, I cleaned the contacts but it has to be lifted by hand, I think i need a new one cheapest place?

second- After the truck sits for an extended period of time it has to crank for a long time the slowly sputters and smokes its way to life. I think it's losing prime could it be a lift pump or just a fuel line leak, overflow valve is new

Third- the temp guage dosent come up above 140 so I think i need a t-stat

Fourth- winter is coming and i've looked but couldn't find the plug for the block heater, i dont think it has one so where and how much is it to get one difficult to instal?

Also I know I need a track bar is the lukes link a good upgrade?

My wallet is getting ready to hurt, and i'm kinda getting kinda dissapointed in the reliable 12v but it's new to me and a used vehical so im hoping to get all the problem areas taken care of and have a trouble free vehical so I can get back to the important stuff BOMBING!

 

1. Most likely bad relay, not solenoid

2. Inspect fuel return hose - probably cracked and sucking in air, hose is under intake manifold at rear of engine from injection pump to steel line by transmission

3. Replace thermostat

4. Should have one from the factory, my plug comes out on the passengers side of the radiator and sits on the bumper, look around for the wire in that area?

5. Track bar upgrade is best option, haven't tried other option, so no opinion on Lukes Link

stick with it, it's all easy stuff and you will be happy with your truck when it's all sorted out!