I have some more information for people (especially crushers and John), the 3rd cylinder has a 1cm hairline crack in the block. So now Im out a 2L-TE block.
Some good options have been mentioned in this thread. The 22-RE swap sounds interesting but I've never done one before and I cant hire this out. The key thing here is trying to keep costs down. I figure if Im looking at anything over another 2 to 3 K to fix this thing (on top of the 2k im already in for a new 3L head + components), Im going to ditch this thing, cut my losses and get a new truck.
I'm going to have this truck trailered home from the mechanic so I can scratch my head at it, maybe looking at it will piss me off enough to find a solution. Wife is getting testy and wants her truck back (lol)
Ive thought of taking the block out, having the crack bored out and fitting liners. Does anyone know where to get cylinder liners for a 2L-TE. This may be the way to go for now, or as I said, I may have to take my losses. I hope that all prospective 2L-TE owners learn from my experience and weigh the risks and benefits before buying these engines.
Any more thoughts?
Thanks for all your help guys
Lee