Not that this is the problem but it's misunderstood. For one thing you not driving a Diesel. Diesel are built in a manner to idle for hours if need be. A car engine is built to start at high idle to warm up and run. Not to sit an idle. That is one of the hardest things on them. 700-800 rpms...
About that. Things are getting crazy here in PA. WAIT they have been! I have used a number of garages for inspections over the decades. 99% of the time they would look my fleet over. Then check what needs to be checked. If there was something close to being a problem they would tell me. The 1%...
I kid you not. I have had to do this. Remove a starter from an excavator on one mountain top then take it to an other mountain top and put it in. The high for the day was 8. The mechanic I was working with was 6' 5" 350lb a good old WV miner. There was no way he was going to fit. He looked at...
I would say at the very minimum. You are going to have to pull the valve covers. Rockers come loose or break. Bent push rods. Any oil laying on the heads.
You might be able to snake a USB camera down a push rod hole. And have a look.
It will work for now. To move it around and driving around until you get the a kit. That would be the time to do both. Not knowing if it was tore before. You don't know if the there is rust in there.
The in general to do what you are doing. If the platform is set and your you not changing it. It would be to set the 1/4 then build to the front. Doors then fenders.
In you case Your doing the smart thing. Building to the existing. The platform is set. The rockers being one of the most...
More than likely there were more issues with the harness, than it's worth or safety factor. Thanks' for your response. That's what make things work here. There are a number of knowable members here. Ask away they will answer. The fit and finish on your rear is excellent!