slowgoer: Great idea on keeping the six in your truck, kinda keeps the "CLASSIC" in classic truck. I do not know your ability/tool/budget situation, but whats worked for me in the past is to go to a wrecking yard and secure another like 235/261 thats fairly complete. There are many around and can be had for reasonable price. This will do 2 things, first it gives you a good source of parts (rods, crank, block, head, valves, etc.) in case your originals are toast, and 2nd it will accellerate the whole rebuild project because you can take your purchased block, crank, rods to your local NAPA or speed shop and have them start on regrind and recondition rods, hot tank block, deck, bore, etc.. And at the same time you can be working on your truck pulling the 235 and checking things out. And between the 2 engines you will have an ample supply of basics to get you going. Most of the aftermarket suppliers can fix you up with bearings, rings,etc. It just depends on your budget and needs as to how much you spend for pistons, overbore, and other parts. Two things I would suggest you do to your L-6, that is to have the mains align bored/honed, because the long length of the block they sometimes have a tendency to bow/distort out of alignment. And secondly have parts/engine balanced. Like piston/rod weights and rotational stability go a long way in increasing engine life and durability. The better shops have all the necessary equipment to do static/dynamic balancing. Good luck with your project!!!
