Amaloy
Junior Member
My '08 1500 needs an engine rebuild. I have the space and time to do it myself and can't afford to pay someone. I have no choice but to do it myself. I am planning on documenting it via YT (I am not a YT'er, this is for documentation.) Any and all help in prepping will be appreciated.
My background:
I was raised on a ranch where we repaired our own equipment, but it was always older stuff, no ECU's or anything of that sort. 1970's equipment at the latest. I understand all the theories and concepts, but I have no exp with modern stuff. I have the files available from here regarding the 2008 and will be reviewing all of it. I would love to hear any tips and tricks, lessons learned, etc. My last engine rebuild was almost 30 years ago, so feel free to post like I'm new... For some of this, I am.
My sad project:
My engine (4.7L) has a bad rear seal and a bad head gasket. To my knowledge my engine has not overheated, but it has run too low on oil, so the rings/bearings are probably wise to change, I assume.
Questions:
What parts kit would you recommend considering my budget of $800 max? Would a cheap kit get me at least a year out of my engine? Has anyone here had a similar rebuild? Did you need any tools other than the standard (engine hoist, full socket and wrench sets, torque wrench, screw drivers, pliers, multimeter, piston ring compressor, and calipers to measure tolerances)? What surprises should I keep my eyes open for? Provided I have everything I need, about how many days should this take if I can dedicate 10-14 hours a day?
I have as much time as it takes, but I will want to get back to work at some point, and this is my only vehicle. Also, the closest to a mechanic I know is a basic service tech at a dealer.
My background:
I was raised on a ranch where we repaired our own equipment, but it was always older stuff, no ECU's or anything of that sort. 1970's equipment at the latest. I understand all the theories and concepts, but I have no exp with modern stuff. I have the files available from here regarding the 2008 and will be reviewing all of it. I would love to hear any tips and tricks, lessons learned, etc. My last engine rebuild was almost 30 years ago, so feel free to post like I'm new... For some of this, I am.
My sad project:
My engine (4.7L) has a bad rear seal and a bad head gasket. To my knowledge my engine has not overheated, but it has run too low on oil, so the rings/bearings are probably wise to change, I assume.
Questions:
What parts kit would you recommend considering my budget of $800 max? Would a cheap kit get me at least a year out of my engine? Has anyone here had a similar rebuild? Did you need any tools other than the standard (engine hoist, full socket and wrench sets, torque wrench, screw drivers, pliers, multimeter, piston ring compressor, and calipers to measure tolerances)? What surprises should I keep my eyes open for? Provided I have everything I need, about how many days should this take if I can dedicate 10-14 hours a day?
I have as much time as it takes, but I will want to get back to work at some point, and this is my only vehicle. Also, the closest to a mechanic I know is a basic service tech at a dealer.
