1997 Hardbody Bearing/ Pistons Question

[jonathan1173]

I'm the original owner of a 97 Hardbody XE 2wd KA24e with 295K, and have removed the head because of a snapped exhaust manifold bolt (tap broke also). Plans are to install rebuilt head, etc. Truck used no oil before tear-down.
I decided to drop pan and replace rod bearings and rings. All looked pretty decent with no detectable scoring.
The connecting rod bolts are press-fit and caps are secured with nuts.
My questions are:
1) Is it required to replace the connecting rod bolts, or just advisable? Are they stretch/ TTY bolts? Any writeups out there on replacing the connecting rod bolts?
2) Can I expect to replace rod bearings, rings, hone cylinders and have a few more years' life?
[http://s921.photobucket.com/user/jonath ... 8.jpg.html][http://s921.photobucket.com/user/jonath ... 6.jpg.html]
[http://s921.photobucket.com/user/jonath ... 9.jpg.html][http://s921.photobucket.com/user/jonath ... 6.jpg.html]
I realize doing a full rebuild, machining, decking, blueprinting, new Eagle rods, CP pistons, and ARP bolts are ultimately the way to go, but I have no plans of racing/ turbo and am not prepared to sink $1300+ into a 300K block by machining, Eagle rods, etc.
Your thoughts?

[jonathan1173]

http://s921.photobucket.com/user/jonath ... 9.jpg.html
http://s921.photobucket.com/user/jonath ... 6.jpg.html
http://s921.photobucket.com/user/jonath ... sort=3&o=2

[jonathan1173]

Here are the photo links:
http://s921.photobucket.com/user/jonath ... 9.jpg.html
http://s921.photobucket.com/user/jonath ... 6.jpg.html
http://s921.photobucket.com/user/jonath ... sort=3&o=2
http://s921.photobucket.com/user/jonath ... 6.jpg.html

[whomadewho]

1- Not necessary to replace the rod bolts. I would replace the nuts. 2 - As far as an overhaul I would base that on miles per year. Example - If your married and use the truck to see the mother in law you probably won't put on many miles. 3 - Just my opinion - Before tearing the engine down. - I would plastigauge the main and rod bearings and check the end play on the crankshaft. Based on the results, Might help to determine if the crankshaft will need to be turned or replaced. If the crankshaft needs replacing it will need to be line bored. Mic out the cylinder walls. This MIGHT help to determine if new Pistons will be needed. Mic out the camshaft unless it comes with the new head. Based on this information you will have a ball park gave or take dollar amount verses going with a different short block. Shop around - There are a lot of overhaul kits that will contain all or most of the parts needed.

[whomadewho]

Forgot to mention. If your chasing a married woman the full rebuild with a turbo would be cheap compared to getting caught.

[jonathan1173]

Thanks, the bearings, cylinder, and crank all looked good, but will measure. Im original owner and always kept oil fresh. Any opinion on ring and bearing products?
Nothing fancy, just the occasional trip to the in-laws and taking my wife out on dates.

[whomadewho]

Smart man keep the wife happy. In today's world most of the name brands went south of the border and over the pond. I use Clevite bearings & Hastings rings just because the vendor I use sells them. The rings shouldn't be based solely on the brand. I look for a direct fit ring. There are cast,moly,Crome,and plasma moly rings. Look for a quick for a quick break in ring. The honing stone grit and the surface finish will determine which type of ring. A good marriage between the rings and the cylinder wall is very important. The break in process is also critical. It's not mandatory if you have the extra cash you might want to replace the head bolts and purchase a genuine Nissan head gasket. Given the mileage, a good investment would be having the injectors cleaned and tested. If you get a little extra time read up on the different ring types. This information will help you to determine the best ring, fastest break in, longest lasting.

[jonathan1173]

Thanks, I have some OEM grade 0 bearings ordered, my logic is the oem held up well for 300K miles and by matching the part number directly from the tang on the bearing, I know I'm getting the size needed.
What's your experience with Hastings 2c4660 rings?
I'm looking to replace the bolts with a set of ARPs, but they only list for the KA24DE.
http://arp-bolts.com/kits/ARPkit-detail ... ordID=1130

I read somewhere that the L20 kit will fit the KA24E truck engine.
Do you what part # ARP bolts would match on the truck?

[whomadewho]

The OEM bearings - great idea. The Hastings rings will work, make sure they are a direct fit. Looking at the head bolts,unless I am mistaking I am counting 8 head bolts, I believe you need 10 bolts. Look up Fel-pro - ES 74026 Head bolts. If your assembling the engine, shop around for a bottom tap and some anti seize for the head bolts.