I have a 2000 Excursion with the V10, and it's making a variety of noises, some of which cause me a bit of concern. The vehicle has just over 200k miles, and the engine makes three distinct noises: exhaust manifold leak, lifter/lash adjuster, and what I suspect are rod bearings. Before anyone suggests that I fix the exhaust leaks first to see if the other noises clear up, as seems to be the preferred response here, trust me when I say I have enough experience working on cars that I have a reasonably high degree of confidence about the other two noises. Beside that, after 200k miles, it's not at all unreasonable to expect that the rod bearings will have some wear, especially given that I don't know the complete history of the vehicle. Call it cheap insurance. I'm looking for advice on how to proceed with the plan I've chosen, not opinions about what's actually wrong with my vehicle. So my plan is to replace all of the lash adjusters, all of the main and connecting rod bearings, the oil pump (with a high-volume unit), and the timing chain, along with any gaskets and seals necessary to complete the task. All of these things can be done with the engine in the vehicle, but I'm planning to pull it anyway, because replacing broken exhaust manifold bolts is much easier with the engine out, and there's a nonzero probability that I'll find damage to the crank journals, and I will need to have it turned. I'm expecting to spend about $300 on parts (Rock Auto FTW!), and barring any machine work being required, I expect to accomplish the whole task in a weekend.

In pursuit of this goal, I have a couple of questions:
1. Are there any other items I should service/replace with the engine torn down to this point? I don't plan to remove the heads.
2. Is it easier to disconnect the wiring harness from the engine and hang it out of the way, or to disconnect it from the vehicle and leave it attached to the engine?
3. Any known obstacles that I should be aware of? I've pulled and installed engines before, but not in this particular chassis.

 

2. IMOP and experience it's easier to disc. the harness from the engine.
3. If you're pulling the engine you will need to lift it really high to clear the core support. It will help to remove the hood and the forward cross member, and radiator of course.

 

All rod and main bearing bolts are torque to yield. So all new are required.

Disconnect wiring harness from motor than unplug it and totally remove it from engine bay before engine removal.

Remove 10 mm nut that holds transmission dip stick to back of head.

Remove upper plenum and throttle body or they will hit when you lift motor up and over cross member.

 

The radiator support unbolts so remove it, remove the radiator, swing away the AC out of your way and it slides out the front. You only need to lift it high enough to clear the oil pan over the cross member