91 EB Top end Rebuild

[1stTimer]

I have a few questions concerning what direction to take with this process. Let me give a brief history that may help with any feedback. First I'm new to this forum and I don't claim to be a mechanic. What I can do is read a book, research and troubleshoot with confidence. OK now that's out of the way.

I got this EB in August, 2018 from my dad and it had been sitting for 5+ years. I'm not sure if it had been started or anything else for that matter. The engine bay shows oil leakage that i'd call severe. I also had a ticking noise, passenger side I think. I found the valve cover bolts loose along with the oil pan, transmission pan and finally the whole top half. Well the rocker arm assembly was tight. I decided to dig in after changing the oil twice. After pulling the valve covers, which I've never done, I pushed forward. At this point I'm down to the block and at a crossroads. First this is what I think I'm going to do with the top half but please if you see a problem let me know. I'm looking for a solid functional car. I'm re-doing the headliner so the inside is basically stripped. I have some rust that I'm working on as we speak. I should've said 2 card size holes on the roof. So here's the parts list followed by a few questions.

1) King Heads assembled- - Thoughts
2) Engine Tech- -push rods, rocker arms, lifters and maybe head bolts- - Thoughts
3) Fel-Pro gaskets

My thoughts, new heads because word has it the stock heads are suspect. 2) Engine Tech because I'm on a budget and I may get a little help with price. When I say budget I'm on a service connected disability budget.

Oh, rebuild kit for the injectors but not sure where to get the piece that protects the pintle.
First ?
1) Is it worth taking the injectors in or service them myself?
2) Will servicing the top half cause any problems if the lower half is, at this point ok?
3) While I'm in there what else should I take a look at.
4) Freeze plugs?
5) Thoughts on a cooling fan for the trans which is an automatic.

If it would help I could post pics. I also have a few videos of it running a few days before I started this process. not sure if I missed anything. FYI I've replaced the shocks, brakes, most hoses, muffler and will replace cooling fan. I also fixed all the windows, adjusted the lift gate and pulled and cleaned all weather stripping.

Thanks in advance for all your help,
John

 

[shucker1]

Key question?

I did not notice you specify the type of engine you currently have.

 

[1stTimer]

Key question?

I did not notice you specify the type of engine you currently have.

Sorry about that, it’s a 4.0L V6 OHV 4x4. Automatic trans A4LD.

 

[RangerX]

How many miles on it? Or, since it’s only a 5 digit odo, how many times has the odo rolled over?

 

[1stTimer]

Not sure it says less than 80,000. I found paperwork from 2009 that said it had 71,000 and change. The smog check passed without a problem, so they said.

The valve cover bolts were loose as was the intake manifold, everything was loose except the rocker arm assemblies. If I remember right the heads were a half turn and then loose. Everything else was a few mm and loose. The sludge on the insides of the valve covers took a while to clean up. I’ve had it since Aug. 2018 and maybe drove a thousand miles. I got it at 78,243 and it hasn’t hit 80,000 yet. I think the 5+ years it sat kind of killed it.

 

[1stTimer]

I checked the mileage last night and its either got 79,542 or 179,542. I contacted my dad about the mileage, as soon as I know I'll post. I didn't think about the 100,000 mile difference. That puts a huge impact on any advice given.

With a member upgrade, how and where are pictures and videos posted?

 

[shucker1]

Once you go Elite you notice an "Upload File" button in the lower right corner below where you reply.