Is it possible to "just replace the rods" There is a thread over on the HD forum about this.
Seems this guy had the rods replaced while the engine was in the truck for 800 labour. Would this be possible?

 

yea lander i talk to the guy all the time, he replaced the rods with manleys and the local dealer did it. dont bother doing it, you might as well do it all.

 

I would do that with full confidence my motor would be as strong as any built lower
AMOF
If I found someone to do that around here, I'd jump at it

 

Could could replace the rods and put it back together. It would be a good swap if youre able to take the motor out and put it back yourself. However, if you are unable to do that, might as well do they whole shortblock and call it done.

If you replace the rods, the pistons are now going to be the weakest link. Im not sure if anyone knows exactly how strong the stock pistons are when mated to a forged rod.

 

A friend of mine just got his truck running last wednesday and it has the whole engine kit. New JE pistons, Manley rods everything. He had the block bored and honed and the shop did a nice job on it but he didn't have it balanced, I repeat....he did NOT have it balanced. It runs smooth as glass.
Dale

 

I was thinking puttin in rods and new piston myself....Iwas also curious if the bottom end would need to be balanced. prolly couldnt hurt.