Hi all, I'm a long time user here 1997 - ? and now I am back after a long recess.

I'll start my question with...
1. is it worth the time, effort and cost to rebuild my 4.2 with OEM parts or
2. purchase a new motor and deal with finding a replacement motor, parts

1.considerations and possible benfits if I rebuild will be...

a. time, I have lots of it, in NO rush to complete the job
b. truck is not my primary vehicle
a. retain Superchip, Airforce One intake,
b. all necessary parts, accessories, belts idler arm etc will be replaced

Truck History...
Bought new in March 1998 with 27 miles
Current mileage 124,560
Auto trans, 4:10 diff gears, 3" body lift, Fab Tech spindles, add-a-leaf w/ 2' blocks, electric fans, slotted rotors

Every 3,000 - 4,500 miles...
New oil, and oil filter

Every 30,000 miles...
New Mecron V transmission oil
New diff oil and friction modifier
New gas filter

Never driven hard, always treated right and has always treated me right!
11-12-11 I went to dinner with my wife, 30 mile drive, after dinner, I attempted to start the truck which it did but some serious, very serious clanking and knocking noises were heard, turned it off and had it towed home
11-13-11 Found oil and coolent leaking from right side (passenger side) of the engine, a flashlight found a quarter size hole in the right side oil pan with a 4" downward crack. I drained the oil and coolent and called it a night. I suspect I threw a rod, or worse.

Please shed some light, insight, wisdom, knowledge, experience recommendations on my delima

Thanks in advance for your help.

Darin
AKA FranksnBeans and better known as Manbag

 

You hydrolocked it due to the bad intake gaskets on the 97 and early 98 4.2's. I would look for a good used 99-03 engine.

 

Thanks for the reply and respect your "hydrolocked" answer, One item I didnt mention in my post was I started the truck with my remote start button from about 40 paces away, and a few seconds later all H%LL broke loose.

Just to be clear your saying the 99-03 4.2 engines will bolt right up to the 4R70W transmission?

 

I *believe* so - but I'm not positive. There also may be some minor details that will need to be sorted.

 

Manbag, that's one nice truck you've got their! I'd for sure drop a rebult engine in it. If you got the cash, modify it a little bit too -- if funds permit.