Well, after limping along for about a year, the inevitable happened yesterday and my VX's engine has apparently shot craps. Started out with MUCHO oil consumption, running hot, occasional puffs of ugly grey smoke. Yesterday, we transitioned to full time overheating (despite oil topped off), LOTS of grey smoke, and the engine laboring and finally refusing to move the VX forward.

I suspect bad rings or possibly a shot head gasket. We're going to do a post mortem early next week and I'll let you folks know for sure. In the meantime, assuming worst case scenario, I have begun looking into remanufactured 3.5L engines -- since this appears to be the most expeditious means to return my truck to happy healthy duty.

I've found several options but would welcome the informed opinion of anyone in the group who may have gone thru this themselves with their own VX. I already have learned enough to make sure that the rebuilt engine is equipped with extra holes drilled for appropriate oil flow. And while the engine is out I'll probably fix/replace any accessory items that are readily available for R&Ring. Aside from that, any suggestions would be welcome.

Hoping to have this all handled within the next 2 to 3 weeks, if possible. Guess we'll see.....