well 1900 dollars later,
drilled out camshaft. new balancer, bolt. belt.gear sprocket. seal. tensioner. actually runs better than before, nice and tight. just a crap load of cash. now to square 1 for the bumper and OME. at least i know that i can continue to go exploring in the backcountry dessert, hopefully the last mechanical probloms in a while.....

97 montero ls, 3.5 v6
custom front & rear bumper with swing away, Skids and multiple attachments
smitybuilt x8
custom sliders
roger brown 2"
OME Suspension kit
in the works:
full custom roof rack, HID lighting, 33" and front/Rear lockers/regearing.