5.9L Magnum questions

Yes, 100% the OP should check the rod bearings. I was lucky in that mine looked fine.

My cam bearings, maybe not so much. Actually they all looked great except for one. Check this out:

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At first I thought I did that when pulling out the cam, but the cam had a shadow on that journal right where it was riding on the gouge, so I figure that bearing was damaged when the engine was initially assembled in the Chrysler factory. I couldn't feel any imperfections at all on the journal, so I guess they wore in together. I talked to a few experienced guys and they all said I should change the bearings, but if I didn't it would probably be fine. So I did the right thing and did not change the bearings. So far it's been about 10,000 miles it seems to be fine. To be clear, I don't recommend to the OP that he do this! Do what I say, not what I do :D
Have seen that as well. If the op wants to keep it cheap, down, and dirty, slam it home. But, I agree completely with you, "Do as I say, not as I do." :lol: