So far all is well and it has hauled numerous 1,700 lb tanks of water down our muddy driveway on about a quarter tank of gas. Still purrs like a kitten, doesn't smoke or anything.
I am going to go up for his other parts truck in the near future for another $100. It's an early 90s 3.0 long bed with some cab damage and a missing front clip. This should produce a usable driver's door, steering column without a broken ignition and 4.56 gearing to make it just right for 31" tires.