Bro, I browse these boards all the time. When I was shopping for runners, I drove 4 cyls and 3.0's back to back for comparison. The 3.0 is MUCH more pleasant to drive day to day and that's worth a lot in my book. Just think, settig the cuise control, putting on the AC, pop in a cool CD, and cruise up the freeway hills at 75+. That's my life with my V6. I took a look at both and said to myself, that I don't care how hard it is to work on, the 2.4 is SSSSLLLLLOOOOOWWWWWWWW. But honestly, in trying to be at impartial and I can, I truly see the 2.4 having the same high-stress failures over and over that are indicative of an engine that is over loaded.

Something else to consider. I drive our freeways every day. I see way more 3.0's on the road today than 4 bangers. I see way more 3.0's with high miles that still run GREAT. (I own one) I mean the engines are not "tired", they just run and run long after the 2.4 has had a mess of timing chain guides, head gaskets, upgrades, rebuilds.... vs. the 3.0's free hg repair.

Anyway, this little engine is just too darn small for the truck. You can pump a ton of money but all you are doing is putting even more stress on every load bearing part of your motor. I mean if you get more torquie at the crank shaft, it's because you have more force on the bearings, etc.. Get a larger motor, spread out the stress, enjoy longer life, enjoy better performance.

If you want economy, we all know 4X4's like ours are probably not the best place to go.

Oh, just thought of this, it's easier to put dual cases on a 3.0 than is is to put a 3.4 in a 4cyl truck. (less dough too) Than you really get the best of both.

Now that I think of it, I really can't think of one good reason to sink dough into that little motor. Oh well, your truck.

Frank.