I gotta question for you guys, I just did a search on resurfacing/presure testing heads and possible rebuilding a 22R. Well, I finally got my head off yesturday and was kinda upset, but not too surprised. I just bought the truck, and was aware of the blown head gasket. So when i got it off I noticed that there was a significant amount of rust muck (so i thought for rust in a engine) in the 4th cyl, and a small amount in the 3rd, some comes off when you try to scrub it off. Im assuming due from the water from the blown HG, now if there is rust in a enigine, can it even be rebuilt? I know i know.. throw in a 4.3 or 350.. but I cant afford that. So.. rebuilt 22R, or buy a already rebuilt one? It will searve as a summer truck/trail truck.
thanks ahead of time.

Chuck

as long as the cylinders clean up when bored or honed. and the crank isn't so bad it can't be cleaned up. i don't see any reason why not.

Depending on how much rust it shouldn't be a problem. If you get your cylinders either honed or bored and your deck shaved you're good for rust. I don't imagine that the bottom end will be rusty. Also check to ensure that the bolt holes where the head bolts go are in good shape.

If you're going to do a 'total rebuild' be prepared to spend in the neighborhood of $1,000. I just rebuilt a 22R and spent $1,200 (can). So if you can pick up a good 4.3 or 350 it'll be the same cost for the adapting etc.

However, my 22R does just fine for me. It ain't no 454, but I'm not driving a fullsize either.

If the bore size is OK, just use a brush hone and clean up the cylinders. If there is no ridge at the top of any of the cylinders, just clean em up a little. As long as the cylinders aren't pitted, it should be OK. Throw in some cast rings, original bore dia., and check over the rest of the engine. I did a re-ring on a wore out, oil burning 22RE and it turned out great. It is was about 1/10 the price of a complete rebuild.