A friend is coming over to pull the plugs tonight. What will this indicate?
There is a new Japanese long block engine on ebay. Is replacement a better way to go? I have read about these trucks and this, ( head gasket and/or cracked head), does not seem to be a common issue. Is there something that may have caused this? Only owned the truck for 2 weeks so have no idea what came befire me, but it only has 121,000 mi. on it.
if they are very clean, it means that they were washed by coolant, just confirms your diagnosis before you tear it down more.
I read your PM's and answered them, you're on the right track.
first diagnose the plugs, then look into other options.
if you know wrenching, the head gasket is the way to go.
if not, the whole engine swap is probably easier.
it sounds like someone sold you the truck already with the problem, sorry that happened.
Chipsndukes