My brother's 97 F-150 was pouring out white smoke and had a knocking sound come from the top end. I tore everything down to the short block. I found a little rip on the intake manifold gasket but still removed the heads just in case. The head gaskets were fine. I took the heads to a shop to be checked out and cleaned. He had some milkshake inside the intake manifold and passenger side valve cover. A friend has told me put everything back together and let it warm up. Replace oil. Then replace oil several times for about 5,000 or so miles.
Now I have done some mechanical work with bolt ons and routine replacements of engine parts. I have not done anything this far before. It seems to be a simple tear down and rebuild. What are some things that I am looking forward to upon putting everything back together? Can I still use the same rods (that are in a perferated box in order)? Will I have to wait for it to turn several times to build pressure to restart?

Comments much appreciated, Thank you.
Phil

 

so your going to rebuild it completely... you need to get a manual and it will explain all the things that can and cannot be reused and things that should be replaced

 

No, not a complete rebuild. I just removed the Intake pleneum (sp?), intake manifold, and heads. And a whole bunch of wire connections, haha. (which are labeled)
I was asking if I can reuse everything and put it back together. I know to replace the head bolts and gaskets, but can I use everything thing else. My brother does not have the money to do a costly rebuild, nor do I. I have a manual to the truck, but wanted the opinion and advice from y'all as well.

BTW, it's a 4.2L V6.