I did the EFI swap using an 85 carbed block from a 2wd and took everything off of my 94 EFI engine. From what I understand post 85 engines are all interchangeable. You can also look for the flying saucer laser block identifier that is on the exhaust manifold side. I was also told to use the oil pan from the 4wd and also used the 4wd dipstick.

Feedback: I called the d[st]ealer and the PARTS guy told me all those numbers were the same and implied that I had a couple of rod bearings loose for thinking otherwise.

It's a wonder the world keeps turning ...

WHAT? all the numbers on the block are the same? thats a good one.....what's this world coming too......another reason why I work on my truck and a select number of people that I know personally.....

And which numbers were those?

I'm gonna tell you something--

Sometimes you need to be standing at the counter to deal with people. If they still give you the same line of BS, go elsewhere.

As a female, a retired GI (they see you coming), and as a Yotahead, sometimes your PRESENCE exceeds the effectivity of a phone call. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

I hear you Margie, but sometimes I'm just too disgusted by ignorance to argue. Besides, that was my close dealer (30 miles away) and I may need him down the line for something.

Anyhow, from all posts I get that if an engine's got a single timing chain it's gonna bolt to my trans and manifolds which is what I'm after. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

And I suppose logically if the engine has a higher # than ~196775, it's newer than my 87 although I now realize that there's no reason to think that a newer block has fewer miles on it than the 210K I've got now.

As I've learned more over the past couple of weeks, I find I'm actually looking forward to the overhaul. I will own a STEEL rail TC guide (and new pistons) by next week. My show truck will soon be a go truck again.

Thanks to everyone. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

and for purposes of a rebuild, a block that's seen hundreds of thousands of highway miles is a better candidate than something that's been beaten on out in the woods. the cylinder walls won't generally need as much of an overbore <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />