Possible Experiment - Replacing Connecting Rod Bearings Through oil pan

[Trent_McAllister]

1974 c-20 custom camper, rusted and bent every panel, blue ribbon ugliest truck winner but ran fine until last week when I drove through a large 8" deep puddle on driveway because of flooding.

I have a restored 1968 C20 and I would buy another beater farm truck before I would spend the time and money on a quality rebuild or crate, but I am willing to play around with.

Immediately developed what I considered a loud "ticking" coming from rear of engine. I assumed it was in the heads but a friend thought it was lower. I almost immediately shut off and sorry to say, I did not think to look at oil gauge and see if there was pressure but I believe there was. I started and parked it in a spot quickly and girlfriend made video of noise.


I've pulled valve covers and see nothing wrong.

I decided to pull oil pan. I found the 7 & 8 had some play (Made video), mostly side to side so I removed connecting rod bearings. the crank looked really good, I felt nothing with fingernail. Bearings did not look spun or bad to me either.

I am not a mechanic, I've never even taken off oil pan before so proper diagnosis is iffy at best. I didn't want to run it further and cause damage to crank.

What I would like is for someone to help confirm my diagnosis that the connecting rod bearings are the cause of issue. I have the video I can send to phone or even better if someone is around Elizabethtown, KY area and is willing to come look at it for a few bucks.

Then I would like to attempt to replace the bearings if the crankshaft looks ok with rock auto .001 undersize (Not .01)

I know it is a hack job, but I'm doing it to learn more and also to see if/how long it works. Please don't tell me to overhaul the motor properly, the internet is full of that advice on forums. It's this or scrap the truck and purchase newer, so might as well give it a shot.

Advice or anyone willing to listen to videos?