Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Salvage Engine with 130K

[grimesja]

I just bought a stock salvage motor from an 01 3500 with 130,000 miles on it. The truck had visble mods. The engine appeared to run very well in the donor truck. My question is what would you guys suggest I do to the engine before putting it in my truck. I have been told to just install it. I have also been told to change out the rod bearings since I already have the engine out. What are your thoughts?

 

[VolsFan]

check for any oil leaks, it would be easy to fix them with the engine out, esp. if you have to do the oil pan. The pan on my truck is dented and you have to pull the motor out a couple inches to remove it, Im dreading that.

 

[JR]

I would seriously consider doing front and rear main seals, and maybe freeze plugs depending on what they look like. Theyre a real bear once the engines in the truck. The tappet cover gasket also gets hard and brittle after a while and can cause major oil leaks.

As far as the engine, if I knew it was a strong runner i would probably leave it alone. But if you havent heard it run, Id be real tempted to pull the oil pan and do a good inspection. It doesnt take all that long to check bearing tolerances or if youve got the extra coin maybe even replace them. Same with the piston rings, your right there and it would be easy to do. It really all depends on what your budget is, along with what your plans are for the truck. If you plan on selling it within a few years, the engine will most likely make it short term. If its something your going to keep for a long time to come it may be worth it to go the extra mile while its sitting on an engine stand.