Ok. With everything cleaned up and ready to go back together I see that the bottom of the timing chain cover seal is the oil pan gasket. I don't think I have ever in my life used an old gasket and if I did it probably leaked. So pull the pan? replace the oil pump, pick up tube, screen? I mean damn why not? Would appreciate your thoughts!!!

 

You can reuse it it'll be fine as long as visual inspection looks good. Even the FSM says reuse the gasket if not damaged

 

Oil pan gasket is viton, or some such...... and is re-useable. Just be careful taking the timing cover off, that you don't rip it.

 

I had a problem with overheating with my 2000 Dak 4.7. would run warm, around 200, 210 with a load. I changed the clutch fan, thermostat, flushed the block. I also pulled the radiator, flushed it. That didnt help so i soaked it again with with dish washer detergent, gel. Tons of junk came out of it. This time it was ok around town but pulling a trailer with some weight it would get warm. Eventually I just replaced the radiator. I live close to summit racing, was cheaper than autozone. Rock auto had a good price but was nervous about shipping a radiator. (bought it with 170k...now has 204.

 

Done. First of all I must express my gratitude for Dodge making these trucks with standard and metric fasteners. I used to be able to look at a fastener and know the size. I replaced the following: radiator, fan clutch, water pump, thermostat, timing set, oil pump and strainer, lower transmission line with check valve. This job kicked my butt, can't crawl around em like I used to.
Some concerns were, the oil was just changed last month, maybe 200- 400 miles and it looked like it does at the 3000 mile change. The transmission lines did not leak any fluid when disconnected from the radiator. After topping off all fluids it was time to light it off. First concern was that it had been 24 hours since priming and installing the oil pump. So luckily it lit right off like usual, oil pressure popped right up to normal and nothing broke right off the bat. Good sign!! Ran it til operating temp was achieved but it was only getting just past halfway to the 210 mark. Normal was about 1/8 '' below the 210 mark. Didn't get to road test it yet. Just kind of sat their smelling the gaskets and sealer cooking up. And I painted a few items. I'm am so sore from my ears to my toes on this one. I'm definitely getting a lift. Thanks again for the tips and advice!!! Let you know if it holds up and if it fixes my overheating problems.

 

When I toured the Pennzoil plant they said that you can't go by the color anymore. When I completely rebuilt a Hemi (my dad's truck we both did it if in being honest it threw a rod through the block) after the break in oil about 600 miles in the oil looked black. So I don't go by color (like my dad taught me)