replacing lower rod bearings while engine is in truck?

[suzuki2903]

well my lower end is a little noisy and wondered if i could replace the rod bearings in the truck by removing the oil pan? didn't make any noise till i ran seafoam in the engine and must have removed whatever gunk was in there that made up for the worn bushing/bearings. i have since then changed oil etc and still make clunking sounds but only does it when there is no load on the engine and definitely sounds like its coming from the oil pan.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

did you check your oil pressure with a mechanical gauge? engine flushes can knock a bunch of gunk down into the pan and plug the oil pickup screen.

in order to get the pan out of the truck, you have to remove the transmission....its almost easier to just pull the motor and work on a stand...especially if it turns out that youve spun a bearing or otherwise caused some other serious damage to the bottom end that will require machining.

 

[suzuki2903]

yeah i figured it would be easier to just pull the motor. I will prob just do that and rebuilt it before to long. it doesnt knock horribly its just noticeable now. plus the motor has 185000 now and is tired im sure but doesnt smoke or use much oil.