Either the timing is excessively retarded or you have a worn camshaft or related problem.
Loss of power, smoke, knocking noise, popping noise, backfiring through carb, or out tailpipe. Any, or, all of these.
there is no carb on that truck
yes, backfiring is always due to ignition or timing problems. Backfiring through the carb can be a symptom of a lean condition.
That 87 truck already has a carburetor on it.
Rochester Quadrajet.
adjust the chock if it has carb.
carb or timing
Out of time or a burnt valve
check the ait. on yhe left side of carb..it control's idle.
probably 180 deg out on timing
With a 2- barrel carb.- 165 hp @ 4000 rpm With a 4-barrel carb- 255 hp @ 5600 rpm
It's lean. Could be a lot of reasons why. Start with the vacuum lines, then the timing, carb, fuel pump, intake gaskets, etc. Look for anything worn or leaking and fix it.