My son drove his 4.7L GC with a coolant leak and I believe it overheated to the point of damaging one or more rod bearings and/or the crankshaft. When I got to the vehicle there was still coolant in the reservoir, but after allowing it to cool down, the level was extremely low in the radiator and the coolant in the reservoir was not drawn back into the system.
After topping off the radiator, I attempted to start the vehicle and it shook horribly once it started and sounded to me as if something in the bottom end of the engine was at fault.
What I am wondering is if it is possible and reasonable to attempt to replace the crankshaft and rod bearings from underneath without pulling the engine?
I don't have the faciliities to pull the engine, but I could get the vehicle elevated enough to drop the components necessary to access the crankshaft if this is an option.
I noticed that Autozone lists a Hi Tech Cranshaft Kit (Remanufactured) which contains the crankshaft, thrust washers, and bearings for $396.99 (excluding core charge).
A rebuilt 4.7L engine ranges anywhere from $2300 to $4000 based on what I have found and finding a used one at a salvage yard is proving quite difficult and still runs $1500 or more. With $900 - $1500 labor to replace the engine, I would end up with the entire value of the vehicle practically in the repair.
If anyone has had a similar situation and had experience replacing these components w/o pulling the engine, I would appreciate any input and guidance.
After topping off the radiator, I attempted to start the vehicle and it shook horribly once it started and sounded to me as if something in the bottom end of the engine was at fault.
What I am wondering is if it is possible and reasonable to attempt to replace the crankshaft and rod bearings from underneath without pulling the engine?
I don't have the faciliities to pull the engine, but I could get the vehicle elevated enough to drop the components necessary to access the crankshaft if this is an option.
I noticed that Autozone lists a Hi Tech Cranshaft Kit (Remanufactured) which contains the crankshaft, thrust washers, and bearings for $396.99 (excluding core charge).
A rebuilt 4.7L engine ranges anywhere from $2300 to $4000 based on what I have found and finding a used one at a salvage yard is proving quite difficult and still runs $1500 or more. With $900 - $1500 labor to replace the engine, I would end up with the entire value of the vehicle practically in the repair.
If anyone has had a similar situation and had experience replacing these components w/o pulling the engine, I would appreciate any input and guidance.