Spent the next few nights after work getting the engine ready for install by bolting the exhaust manifolds and mounts on. I also replaced the leaky power steering pump since I had great access currently and that became a BEAR because I didn't figure out until I'd struggled a bunch that the OEM pulley isn't intended to be reused. I finally got the new engine settled into the frame on November 29th. It was very much a wrestling match and that driver's mount was a problem. I wound up having to unbolt it from the engine and the settle things almost into place before bolting it back to the block.

 

I was tired on Friday the 30th so I didn't do much but on Saturday, December 1st I decided I was going to thrash to the end. I started about 10:00 that morning and finally shortly after 8 PM I got to hear it run for the first time:

 

I drove it to work and back on Monday and since all seemed well I charged the A/C that evening. It now has almost 200 miles on it and everything seems fine. It was nice to be able to park my daily driver back inside again. The truck is back to living in its normal place under a carport out back next to the boat. I quit adding up expenditures when I crossed the $2,600 mark but I figure I have to be close to $4,000. However some of that includes tools I bought like the new vacuum pump to do the A/C. Lord willing I hope to get at least another 100,000 miles out of it. If you've read the whole thing thanks for your interest. I'll be glad to answer any questions about the experience.

 

One addendum. Since I went the route I did I don't owe anyone a core so I now have the old 4.7 to play with. I plan on pulling the left head soon to see if the leak was a blown gasket, crack or possibly both. After that I'm trying to decide what to do with it. I've had thoughts about doing a cheaper build and finding a Grand Cherokee or Durango 4X4 needing a replacement 4.7 and doing that.

 

Great job.

You should be able to get your 100K miles out of this one, so long as the rest of the truck cooperates.

 

I realized after catching up on the site this might should have gone in the non-tech forum instead of here. The mods are welcome to move if they so wish or they can leave it here.

 

 

It did push a lot of stuff aside in that final two months.

 

Great write-up and good job. Much appreciated.
As for getting another 100,000 ... you did a nice job on the engine and refreshing some cab interior components. Remember that there is the entire rest of the truck .....