Okay,
heres the update.
My mechanic put a new timing belt on today. said the vx ran like new!!!!! it ran so well, that he didnt even feel that its necissary to do a compression check.
so i called merlin, ordered a water pump, and a belt tensioner rod. im going ahead and paying for these parts for peace of mind. so i should have my truck by middle of next week!!! I CANT WAIT!
this brings up a couple of things to my mind though. did i just get lucky that the valves didnt kiss the pistons in this interferance engine? or is this a sign that it is a non interferance? who knows, and at this point, i dont really care, im getting my truck back!!!

cant wait to shine er up, and smile again.

david