As all the thoughts in my mind settle down, I think I will do it this way:

- Once the snow goes away and temps get warmer, I will drag the truck outside to pull the engine. No room to maneuver with this truck in my garage. I am only a starter, bellhousing and flexplate away at this point.
- In the meantime I will drop the pan and see what the bottom end looks like. I am curious if the main bearings show same issue, given they are oiled the same.
- If bottom end is shot, I will send to machine shop.
- If bottom end is ok, then I will do the cam bearings myself and rent a tool.

Already ordered a Mopar high volume oil pump as if I am in there, might as well.