After the initial scare with my rockers galled on the rocker shafts, I am very pleased with the internals of the engine. The pictures I took on how it came apart don't do it justice.
The pistons are original. They still have the marks from being turned. I see only a few VERY light scratches on the sides perpindicular to the pins. The cylinder walls have no marks anywhere and exhibit original hone marks evenly over the entire bore. The main bearings show no scoring as do the rod bearings. Tappets also show no wear or slop.

Now to measure the 53 block thickness tommorrow. If its good, on to the machine shop to be cleaned, internals measured, decked, and line bored. Otherwise I'll be in the market for a new block.

I am very impressed with how well it is wearing. I expected to see worse. Up until this point it has been a depressing project. Now I have a little hope.

 

i just pulled apart my truck with 189,483 and was happy to see perfect cylinders. now i know why you pay so much more for a diesel truck.