Hey guys, I've just picked up an 04 sierra rcsb. Truck is in good shape and has about 130k miles. Purchased from a friend who has owned it since new.
About a week ago the truck developed a faint knocking sound, checked the oil level, and it was just under a quart low. Friend decided he didnt want to mess with it ( he had just bought a new 5.0 mustang lol ) so he sold it to me.

I have pulled the 5.3 and am planning to replace a few gaskets that were leaking and clean it up. I believe the knocking sound was actually a lifter not pumping up, as there was no shavings in the oil or oil filter. I plan to install Katech rod bolts, and intend to inspect the bearings when I install the rod bolts. Is this ok to do? Anything else to inspect while I have the pan off?

 

since its out ,find used 6.0 ,drop it in