Over a year ago i purchased my VX from a guy in Cleveland. I believe he got it from member mbeach (http://www.vehicross.info/member.php/1374-mbeach)

Had a massive knock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTAyxJjyc4s

took the engine out and tore it apart. It was completely missing the rod bearing on piston #1
AND a head bolt broke off in the block.

Took it to a machine shop. They said it would need to be bored out at least 20 over. And they might have to drill out that bolt. Valves were bent on cylinder 1. Piston showed marks from being knocked around. It was a mess.

So i decided to find a new engine instead of rebuilding this one. Thought about doing an engine swap with an Aurora v8 but i just dont want to have it in the garage for ANOTHER year. Id like to drive this thing finally!

While it is in the shop i might do some other modifications/maintenance. I already threw a 3in body lift on it - and i believe it already had lift springs and a torsion crank. Im going to get under it with a lot of rust converter and paint.
Any suggestions on what else i should do?

fingers crossed there was nothing bad with the transmission or transfer case...