Ive got a 98 4.2...its been a great truck..ive got over 135,000 miles on it...took it to new mexico..had problems ever since...looking at a blown head gasket right now..is it cheaper to buy a rebuilt engine or replace the gasket? What would you do

 

If you don't have any other of the problems like water in the oil, exesive coolant loss, loud knocking sounds then I would replace the gasket. Look into replacing the intake gasket as well.

I am in a similar quandry. I am looking into changing the head gasket for about 2K. A new motor installed will be $4,500 in CA where I live. Keep looking at this site for a lot of usefull info and other problems that the 4.2s have had.

I am thinking replacing the intake manifold gasket first.

 

Hey guys, first thing - Welcome to FTE and the 4.2 forum.
Are you SURE it is head gaskets?
The lower intake manifold gaskets are the common failure items and the timing chain cover gaskets also.

Look back a month or so. I had a few posts on gasket problems and one on "close call".