Fix or Cut Losses

Sounds like you need to add a page from the GM book on the S Series. The little part about unbolting the front body mounts and spacing the body up a couple inches to work on it.

I think I posted a reply to this a while back about my 98 Dakota that was wrecked and I was thinking of replacing the truck or repairing it. Well, I'm glad I decided to repair. The body shop did an absolutely beutiful job! I am amazed! The truck looks better now than it did before it was wrecked. The entire right side was replaced for $3,900. That includes new fender, used rear bed panel, used door (all electric), new OEM front fender, and new cab side extension panel. They repaired the rocker and included a hood paint job because the paint started to come off due to Chrylser's insufficient amount of clear coating. And the best part is - NO bondo was used except to cover a couple welds - less than 2 oz. total.

"NapalmHeart" wrote in news:13gk95thc6ts889 @corp.supernews.com:

Don't even bother! The fact you've got noise in the lower end would lead any reasonable mechanic to pull the oil pan and change out the oil pump.

Unless of course you'd rather blow the sumbitch up first.

Truck is out of service.

I wish it was as simple as pulling the oil pan and changing the pump. As was noted earlier in the thread, the pan won't come of this truck with the engine still in the truck, even with the engine lifted. Investigating the possibilities available. This truck may turn into a donor for a different truck. I hope not.

Ken

Update: Bought the daughter an '02 Malibu and have determined that the Dak motor is toast. Just from looking at 1 rod bearing I can see that approx. 200,000 was the life of this particular motor. Since I don't want another payment I'm looking to replace the engine. I figure that if I fix this truck I know what condition it's in from bumper to bumper. If I buy something else used, I may well be buying someone else's problems. New isn't even in the picture. Been working almost everyday. Wednesday was my 1st day off in 30, so things have moved slow.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Ken Olson Clarksville MI