Ignition timing is the primary reason.
After you reset the timing. check to be sure the ignition components are working.
Also check the carb. is it clean and adjusted properly? do you smell gas. Is it flooding?
W/ 360 engine,my 1988 GWweighed 4480 lbs.
inside the alternator
twenty gallons
the v8 is 14.0 qts
Driver side
20 gal
Ford Motorcraft 2 barrel
Dana 44 front and rear
in the middle towards the back. my 88 has a yellow dipstick.
With an AMC 360 V8, it is 5000 pounds
15.5 quarts plus 1.5 quarts in overflow tank
In a 1987 it's under the steering column, to the left. Hope it's the same for the 1988.