Gusco, I have been reading everything you have said about your Saga, so I feel I might have some insight on what your problem is. You are not focusing your thinking on a direct path to getting it done, you are conflicted so dividing your thinking into different paths which in the end will either drive you crazy or you will throw up your hands and just sell the truck. Take a deep breath, stop and think about what you can do to organize your thinking into a plan of action.
So far you have done much more harm than good in taking your engine apart and messing with ring gap and then finding your engine has a crack in it. Chances are, the ring gap is way out of tolerance causing your smoking problem. Since the engine is cracked, get another one. But of the same type. Forget all of this V8 stuff unless you have unlimited funding. Steering, suspension, frame mounting perches, it just keeps getting better and better! Make some calls to local salvage yards, Craigslist, Ebay, spread out your distance from home a little wider and find a rebuildable 235 engine for about $200 or so. If your head is good, all you need is the block. Stay focused on one path and watch all of the pieces of the puzzle fall together. If you lived closer, I could help, so I am sure there are people around you that can help too. Just concentrate on finding them. And, good luck on whatever you decide!
