Recently motor started knocking and i was told lifters had to be replaced so I did. Ended up knocking after "lifter fix". Was later told I needed a new crankshaft, and one piston w/ rod. My question is if it's possible to even replace just one piston, or will I HAVE to replace all of them? I'm getting the piston from rockauto so it's oem.

 

Who is telling you this?

 

1. Where is this info/direction coming from?
2. What was the parts source you used?
3. Back to number 1, because first it was a cam and now it's a crank and only one cylinder's worth of gear?

 

Local mechanic. To go more in detail, he told me first that lifters and cam had to be replaced. Went and bought them off of rockauto and got them installed as well as new gaskets all around, and new oil pan. However, somehow it was still making the same noise(SUPER loud ticking) almost like a manifold tick but way louder. So he eventually dropped the motor and took out the crankshaft and said it was worn out, which visibly it really was. He then also said I needed to order just one piston and connecting rod, and that's what threw me off bc i've heard you're supposed to swap all at once or engine goes unbalanced. Truck's been sitting for about 5 months and I'm just getting desperate at this point.

 

Just make sure the new piston is approximately the same weight as the original. It'll likely be close enough right out of the box anyway.

My question is, why even replace the piston? The rod is likely shot...... but, if it didn't actually toss the rod, the piston should be ok?

 

Depending on how bad the crank is it may be able to be ground and all you will need is oversized bearings.
You mean this? Make sure you get the correct even or odd side.

 

Honestly I'm only 19 so I'm just going with my mechanic is telling me ya know. But apparently that's all that i needed, he did mention that i could order new rods but that "it wasn't necessary" so i'm thinking about just ordering them anyway but im still doubtful about just buying one piston..

 

You bought enginetech stuff, didn't you.....based on the profile name I'm thinking you're both high lol.
At this point I'd replace the engine with a good long block. You can get a factory reman long block for under $5k. This half assed piece-mealing is just going to nickel & dime you to death when clearly (no offense) neither of you has any idea what you're doing. I rea;ize at 19 you may not be able to afford that, but once this engine gets cracked open by someone who doesn't know what they're doing it will never be the same again. Next best option might be to find a used but good engine from a wrecked truck and plop that in.

 

Damn who got your panties in a twist buddy?😂 Just cause i'm 19 i'm broke now i guess lol . And no actually bought everything OEM from Mopar (which i stated before but i guess the reading glasses didn't help unc) , which ran me about more than i ever thought but again, im young, im not planning on keeping an old pick up truck for very long, and a Ram in general at that.. I've learned my lesson on these trucks but it would make a sweet trade in for a 5.0 rcsb lol

 

Go on, nephew....show me where you mentioned buying OEM Mopar lifters. I'll wait. You mentioned an OEM piston, that's it. Bet my shooter's eyes are a helluva lot better than yours, boy:
Now.....if you're done being a little **** (hey, I'm not the one on the interwebs begging for help after playing parts roulette with an idiot claiming to be a mechanic). You go on about only being 19 but you're doing everything you can to not fix this correctly for as little money as possible (I do applaud you buying the Mopar lifters, most people don't). It is a plausible hypothesis based on that observation that you don't have the actual money to repair this correctly. If you do, great! I gave you two very good suggestions that will have your truck back on the road sooner than later. Up to you.