Greeting. Long time lurker, first post.
My Truck is a 99 Club Cab. Really clean, good shape, ran strong(72k miles), owned it for about 6 years, I take really good care of it. I let my step son borrow it and he brought it back and there is a puddle under the front of the engine (coolant). I ask him WTF... he swears he did nothing (I let him live (probably the wrong choice)). I am fairly handy, I buy all the parts, and go to work. I get it back together with no problem. First start attempt has it making some really odd noises. Sounds like liquid, metal noises and I know there is big trouble. I call a local shop that I trust to take a look at it. He says it sounds like a timing chain. He gets it changed, and still nothing. He says as soon as you try to start it, it jumps out of time. He believes that there has been something catastrophic done to the internals (specifically he said the crank). He recommends replacing it with a new motor "long block" from O'Reilly for $2500. I have looked online and found a couple engines on eBay that I may consider. One is a 42k mile "Z code" but it's from a Dodge Van. Will that work? I like the 42k miles part. Price is reasonable too.. My guy is warning me away from this.
This is all way beyond what I have the tools or talent for at this point. I'd like to hear from the group here about your opinions if there is a different direction I should consider. Thanks!