2.7l blown head gasket

Hey guys I'm trying to decide if I should just replace the head gasket or go ahead and do a rebuild motor is strong, my mom has been driving it and didn't let it warm up enough with the crazy low temperature we had the other day and I'm 90% it is just the gasket but won't know for sure until I hear it down. What would you do I'm even open to finding a cheap used motor and swapping while I rebuild mine

 

I just did a 2.7 in wife's runner. I did a new head and gaskets and it's almost like a new motor. Way more power and runs great. The head cracked on ours right around the#3 and#2 spark plugs holes. I would pressure test the radiator before anything as well.

 

same had 4 cracks in mine, happens from having the valves lashed incorrectly.

 

That's what I thought it was from. I noticed the head that was on the runner was replaced before. I think someone just threw it on instead of setting the valves correctly first. They came all assembled in the new head. However I found out I had to first get it set in place then turn the cam and check lash. Had to pull three valves and grind the end so they fit right. All the others were perfect.

 

So most likely the head is cracked as well, that leans me even more to a swap and complete rebuild of the original

 

Not likely caused by running cold. If so, my head gasket would have blown years ago. Seems valve lash is the most common cause of head problem on the 2.7l, which reminds me that I need to check mine.

 

If your block is good and you don't have an absurd amount of miles, I'd consider keeping the engine in the truck and replacing the head if it's in fact cracked - you're looking at a lot more work to swap in an engine. Plus then you start thinking about spending more money on new stuff to put in there while you have the whole thing apart.

 

333000 miles, but it still ran great I think I'm gonna tear it down to the head gasket then decide