[EagleChief]

So, I've bypassed the heater core for now. I think I'll go with the "ball valve" fix for the lines and do away with that funky valve that's in there.

I drove the truck again after bypassing the heater core. Two things I noticed: 1) The truck reaches operating temp much faster, it seams. 2) My temp gauge was now reaching up to 205-210 or so, and holding steady.

So, after talking things over with my wife, we've decided to make the upgrade and go with an LS swap. Over the long-run, as this will become my son's truck (according to him, it's already his - he's 4), I think that will be the best option. So, if anyone has a list of items, I'm all ears. I've started searching on here and reading some articles. Going to watch some videos to see what all it entails. But, I've started making a list and am going to start purchasing stuff to get it ready.