Check it out before you spend money on stuff you don't need. We're just guessing going on what you've told us. It's entirely possible the motor is fine,or easily fixed. Check out the oil pressure first, if it's fine then worry about the rest of it. Head gskts {if you even need 'em} are much cheaper than a rebuild. Pull the spark plugs etc. first and see where you're at.
It's mostly a process of elimination to pinpoint the problem. Post back and we'll try to help you any way we can. Be descriptive of what you've found. The more details the better.

 

I took it to a garage today and they pressure tested the cooling system with a pump. I was there when they did it. It leaked heavily from the top drivers side corner of the radiator. They told me I need a new radiator and that's where the leak is. Does this sound right?

I told them I was worried about the oil light coming on tho, and the possibilty of low oil pressure. And that it didn't make sense to spend $300 (what they estimated) for a new radiator, if the engine has low oil pressure and the engine is toast.

So they told me to come back on the 5th and have the oil pressure tested first. Not sure how much they are going to charge me to do that.

 

Go to a radiator shop and see if they can repair the one you have. If it's not rotten they should be able to fix it. Lot cheaper. Or buy a new repacement from a parts house and change it yourself. Most shops charge list price for parts to pay for utilities, make their payday money off the labor. Might save you $150 or so. And the oil sender is really easy to change.

 

Is there oil involved in changing the oil sending unit? My issue is I don't know where/how to dispose of used fluids if I do repairs myself. And also what exact tools do I need to do that repair?

Also I phoned a radiator specialist place, and they said they can't repair these types of rads because they are "disposable types". I'd put a new one in myself but again I don't know how to dispose of the used coolant.

 

No oil will be spilled. Sender is at top rear, center of engine,next to distributor. 3/8" drive ratchet,6" extension,and special socket. Buy the socket when you get the sender.

As far as disposable radiators in 1st gen Dodge pickups, bullpoop. Rodded out/repaired several myself over the years and I'm not a "radiator specialist". They are copper/brass construction,and if not rotten can be soldered. Perhaps the road salt up in your area renders radiators "disposable" much faster than here in the desert. The radiator in my Ramcharger is 20 yrs. old. Took it to Wayside Radiator here in Odessa. They rodded/repaired it with no problem.

 

I bought the oil sender thingie. It looks like basically the one in this link except mine is a bit skinnier.
http://www.cyberjeep.com/images/5603...p-oil-unit.jpg

Do you think i bought the right part??

I cant seem to find where it is n the engine bay tho. im guessing it doesnt look the samein the engine bay as it does in my hand and thats why i cant find it?

And f its at the very back of the bay behind the ar flter in the center how do I reach it?

And lastly, the parts guy was talking about you have to tape it or something and the tape melts when hot or something. I couldnt really understand him as he had a speech impediment. Do I tape it somehow, or is there tape on the old one have to remove?

I dont have a Haynes manual so I dont know if I will be able to install it myself.

 

Perhaps you should take your truck to a shop after all and let them install the thingie.

 

Well just asked a question. Forget I asked. Buh bye

 

Didn't mean to offend, just sounds like your in over your head. Been there a few times myself, had to admit defeat and let somebody with the tools/knowledge do the repair.

You'll have to remove the air cleaner assembly to get to it,use no tape or sealers on the sender threads. The sender has to have a good ground to the engine to work. Tighten it until snug. I've explained as concisely as I can how to change the sender, the rest is up to you. And buy a manual, the information is well worth the cost.

 

After the air cleaner is off, you can see the distributor at the back of the engine. The sending unit is just to the passenger side of it.