Quite the predicament

[tyzorg]

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[fish92]

It all depends on what you are planning on doing with the truck. If you are planning on keeping it around for as long as possible I would spend the $700 on the engine tranny combo and keep all of your extra parts around just incase you run into some other problems you would still have an extra tranny, alternator, waterpump, intake, injectors, etc and you wouldnt have to pay a dime except mabey a few dollars here and there for a gasket but make sure that if possible see it run before you buy it and if not make sure that it is someone reliable. If you have plans to drive it for just a few years and get rid of it buy the refurbished/resurfaced head and you should be fine.

 

[kcm1582]

As far as I'm concerned when a cylinder head cracks its scrap, and I don't trust those crack sealers. So on to your other options. A new head might be a cheap fix assuming that the block is still ok, but from what you said it sounds like it took a pretty bad beating getting it home and there may be some other problems that havnt shown up yet. Finally you have a full replacement engine and trans. The only problem I can think of with that is that is you don't know the history of the engine so you want to make sure that you see it run and get some kind of written warranty incase it brakes down on you later on.

 

[modelageek]

Appreciate the replies. A little more info on the engine+tranny+computer for sale: Its off craigslist so its not guaranteed to work unless I make the guy hook it up on a engine stand to do a compression test. The pros to this is I can probably get the guy down to maybe $500 for all. The negative side is, again, not being sure if the engine is in good shape. I'm not saying I'm not trusting the guy, but 62k miles on a 1997 truck sounds a little far fetched.

lets me see if I can make this more complicated for you do you know the history of the clutch in your truck. The slave cylinders in these trucks suck. I would talk to the guy selling the engine and if i felt comfortable that it was a good running engine. I would buy it for $500. Then put the tranny back on CL and some one will eventually buy it for about $200(maybe even someone on here). I then would replace what ever clutch parts you can afford and put it all back together and pray......

*you also can easily replace the timing belt while the engine is out.these engines are bullerproof if you take care of them

 

[4b316]

For the amount of money you are going to spend,$500 for a motor,$2-3 hundred to get it put in if you can't do it yourself,new clutch and pressure plate and a timing belt,you might better sell yours and take the money and get another truck.On the other hand you can buy a complete used head and put it on yourself for a couple hundred.Check your cyl.bores and make sure no burn spots.does it still turn freely and not any tight spots?If it cracked a head,it was pretty hot

 

[cmikee]

Get you a good book for the truck and do it yourself. You will learn about your truck and engine during your work.

I would not use the liquid seal stuff it is only a temporary fix.

Get a head from the junkyard (from a newer truck if possible) and take it to the machine shop to get cleaned and tested. Make sure they check the freeze plugs too. (unless new one is just as cheap) When you take the head off your truck check each piston and the block. Check for burning points, scarring, holes, etc... If you have questions about the condition take pictures and post them here.

I think the only special tool you will need is a torque wrench. And while you have the timing belt off check it's condition it may need to be replaced while you have it off.

 

[modelageek]

only option i guess I have is im gonna purchase the used head with no cam or valve springs.. have my step-dad transfer the cam from the old head to the new one, and prey it works.

I'm taking a $400 gamble.

I dont understand. You can buy a new(rebuilt) head for $300.........why are you buying a used one for $400........

 

[Duane867]

I'm say'n...

 

[tyzorg]

I dont understand. You can buy a new(rebuilt) head for $300.........why are you buying a used one for $400........

$300 head + $50 gasket set + $50 head bolts= $400.