Replacement motor questions but hopefully fixable

[rockdogz]

I can’t help but to compare the prior generation of LS engines before they introduced AFM that run 400-500,000 miles with basic maintenance. So in my mind, I would have to delete all that unnecessary and complicated crap that’s only there to bring GM’s overall fuel mileage into the EPA’s guidelines. The fuel savings aren’t worth it IMO. I’d rather have a solid design that lasts pretty much forever. I wouldn’t even wait for failure either- I’d delete it immediately. I did go through that decision phase when I was looking for a bagged NNBS Silverado and had come to the conclusion that if the truck I ended up with had AFM, a full delete was one of the first things that I would do, and while I was in there I’d do a nice cam to add more power. Luckily the truck ended up without AFM but I still did the cam. As far as California…the more I’m reading about their ability to read the ECM tune and compare it to a stock one and reject emissions if it has been altered means to me that any engine that isn’t stock in that state is not going to be on their highways for much longer. I’ll never live in a state that does that.

Makes sense and I would do that if I didn’t have to worry about smog in CA. I am hopeful that by installing the updated VLOM, driver’s side valve cover, updated intake gaskets, oil pump, etc. that it will last easily another 200k miles assuming the bottom end stays intact.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Makes sense and I would do that if I didn’t have to worry about smog in CA. I am hopeful that by installing the updated VLOM, driver’s side valve cover, updated intake gaskets, oil pump, etc. that it will last easily another 200k miles assuming the bottom end stays intact.

The bottom ends are pretty stout on the LS platform. I don't think I've read where anyone has ever had an issue with it. Mostly it's been top end issues.

 

[TollKeeper]

Unless your running some REAL horsepower..

I believe the LS engines to probably be one of the best in the world.

Now I just want them to bring back the Jeep 4.0

 

[wsteele]

I can’t help but to compare the prior generation of LS engines before they introduced AFM that run 400-500,000 miles with basic maintenance. So in my mind, I would have to delete all that unnecessary and complicated crap that’s only there to bring GM’s overall fuel mileage into the EPA’s guidelines. The fuel savings aren’t worth it IMO. I’d rather have a solid design that lasts pretty much forever. I wouldn’t even wait for failure either- I’d delete it immediately. I did go through that decision phase when I was looking for a bagged NNBS Silverado and had come to the conclusion that if the truck I ended up with had AFM, a full delete was one of the first things that I would do, and while I was in there I’d do a nice cam to add more power. Luckily the truck ended up without AFM but I still did the cam. As far as California…the more I’m reading about their ability to read the ECM tune and compare it to a stock one and reject emissions if it has been altered means to me that any engine that isn’t stock in that state is not going to be on their highways for much longer. I’ll never live in a state that does that.

I don't disagree with your logic, but then the OP's failure looks like the roller seized versus anything to do with AFM per se. I doubt there are any stats on how many collapsed AFM lifters there are out there, versus seized rollers, but I know it happens to standard lifters as well.

In the end, the whole world is going the way CA is going, all the bureaucrats attend the same best practices conferences and more than half the world seems to buy into the notion that we have a genuine climate crisis on our hands, so I think it is only a matter of time before we all are driving stock EV's anyway (or maybe they will be driving us...).

 

[rockdogz]

I know I will need to remove the front diff, but can the pan be dropped? Or do you have to just lower it enough to get the new gasket on?

 

[Rocket Man]

I don't disagree with your logic, but then the OP's failure looks like the roller seized versus anything to do with AFM per se. I doubt there are any stats on how many collapsed AFM lifters there are out there, versus seized rollers, but I know it happens to standard lifters as well.

In the end, the whole world is going the way CA is going, all the bureaucrats attend the same best practices conferences and more than half the world seems to buy into the notion that we have a genuine climate crisis on our hands, so I think it is only a matter of time before we all are driving stock EV's anyway (or maybe they will be driving us...).

Uh hem…we do have a climate crisis but I’m not going to argue that point here. I’m not going to quit doing what I do though. My state will never be like CA. We don’t even HAVE emissions testing in 95% of the state and probably never will so if it ever gets to where I can’t pass some new tests, I’ll register my trucks at my brothers address in the middle of the high desert where population is nil. I’ll be dead before we are all driving EV’s too. Good thing I’m old!

 

[Rocket Man]

I know I will need to remove the front diff, but can the pan be dropped? Or do you have to just lower it enough to get the new gasket on?

You can pull the bolts that hold the diff onto the frame and let it droop. You might have to pry down a little, you can always stick a block of wood in there to hold it down a little if necessary. I did that on my 02 Denali.

 

[wsteele]

Uh hem…we do have a climate crisis but I’m not going to argue that point here. I’m not going to quit doing what I do though. My state will never be like CA. We don’t even HAVE emissions testing in 95% of the state and probably never will so if it ever gets to where I can’t pass some new tests, I’ll register my trucks at my brothers address in the middle of the high desert where population is nil. I’ll be dead before we are all driving EV’s too. Good thing I’m old!

Yeah, I never say good thing I am old…. because all things being equal, young is better…

Sorry, got to run and do my back and hip stretches, that hip flexor has been killing me….

 

[Rocket Man]

Yeah, I never say good thing I am old…. because all things being equal, young is better…

Sorry, got to run and do my back and hip stretches, that hip flexor has been killing me….

 

[wsteele]

I know I will need to remove the front diff, but can the pan be dropped? Or do you have to just lower it enough to get the new gasket on?

Here is a video on one guy's approach. It is a Silverado 4x4, but the principles are the same.

watch

The OEM gasket is riveted on (if it hasn't been replaced in the past), so dropping the pan is going to make removal of the old gasket easier. Also, in this video he explains a little about the oil consumption TSB parts (like the AFM pressure relief valve deflector), which I would install if your truck never had it installed.