Hello everyone.

I have my 2001 Dodge Dakota 4.7L AWD, 8th vin digit is "N", 16th tooth crank wheel with 109,000 miles on it.

The original engine threw a rod and had a knocking, so I figured I'd go find one at the junk yard with a bad tranny.

God was I wrong...

So 3 engine swaps later, I have this new 4.7l that has it's own issues. I have it broken down to the pistons, with the heads removed. The timing was bad and caused it to skip in the passenger cylinder head. 3 valves appear to have hit the pistons but only 1 looks really bad (Attached picture)

Im debating on replacing the timing, all cylinder valves that are bent and seats and head gaskets OR just doing a full rebuild. I'm tight funds and cant really afford the $1300 a machine shop would want, so I'd make do with what I have at home (which is a lot, I feel)

Will I be ok using these pistons and just doing the timing, gaskets and cylinders (replace the bent one) or should i do a rebuild?

I also wanted to know if anyone has success or failure using and ebay kit? Seems too good to be true on the prices, but I wasn't sure if anyone has had success.

Thank you in advance, everyone.

 

Never use any piston thats had a hit it could have a crack in it and or distorted.

 

And that gouge in the piston will cause hot spots, which lead to pre-ignition, which can grenade the piston.....