So my plan was to do a stock bottom end on turbo. I picked up an 04 5.7 from a Durango, no MDS or VVT. I did hear the engine run before it being pulled. It did have a rattle to it but, idled and ran fine. Sat in storage for a couple of years.
Started to pull it apart and found that the passenger side exhaust manifold was cracked and the two bolts for the rear of that manifold were broken. Upon seeing this I thought that was the cause of the rattle.
Yesterday I removed the timing cover, pan and windage tray. Then I notice a bent rod. Crank counterweight just slightly hitting bottom of piston, that was probably the rattling noise that I heard. Continuing, I move the lifters out of the way and pulled out the cam. A couple of the lobes are pitted, but their matching lifters look good.
No water in the oil, or gasoline smelling. Are these just inferior parts or is their another reason for these issues?
What are your opinions?




69 Dart