well, here's an update.

adjusted the valves to 7-11, and the engine valve noise definetely got quieter! a couple of the intake, and exhaust valves were waaaay off. also made sure i didn't crank the valve cover bolts down too tight. i just snugged them up.

the knocking is still there, but i've noticed a pattern. when the engine is cold, you will still hear the knocking between 2500-3500 rpm's. but after about 10-15 minutes of warm-up......it goes away.

now when i say knocking......it's not hammering or anything. it's almost a light, hollow sounding knock. can't really explain it another way.

i'm gonna pretty much write if off for now. the truck is a beater with 125K + miles on it. i'll keep driving it and keeping tabs on the oil and everything else. not worth my time or money trying to track it down at this point. if the engine goes......it goes. then i have an excuse to rebuild it, or swap something else in <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />