One set was from a motor that was run too long between oil changes and run hot; the other set is a lower mileage or a better cared for motor.

Solve the problem - pick up some Harland Sharp 1.6 rockers. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/csp-s7306 for 3/8" studs, http://stores.hi-potek.com/harland-s...-dodge-magnum/ for 5/16" stud. (You can beat those prices I'm sure.)

RwP

 

Interesting, alright. I'll probably go for a set of rollers then. It's funny, because that rocker that looks like it's in better condition is from a 3.9 out of a 2002 Dakota that was not taken care of very well, and eventually ate up the main bearings and threw a few rods. And the rockers in worse condition were on the 5.2 when I got it, out of a 1997 Grand Cherokee, and the engine was in perfect condition otherwise. Bearings were in great shape and still had the cylinder wall crosshatch and everything, No oil loss either. Oh well, it is what it is. Thanks!

 

The other side of the rocker will have the wear. Those are just discolored.

Bring each cylinder on compression and see if the rockers are loose.

I had a 318 magnum with 300 000 km and rockers were fine, put rings and bearings and put a big cam in it and raced a season with it. Its cylinders were not round and had a noisy piston.

Those engines are bad for cracking the heads through the valve seats. I had to find 2 heads.