Split the Case
 

I split the case on my 3.0 this afternoon. I had debated on doing that, but since the miles on the car were somewhat unknown, I decided to go ahead with it. Everything pretty much no drama, and most of the bearings were in great shape, but there was one main half and half of each IM shaft bearing that showed a lot of wear. I wouldn't think the iM shaft bearings would wear like that, lightly loaded as they are. See images.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1403465015.jpg

Pretty "normal" from the engines i've seen, usually the IMS shells are the only one that is worn.

Mine looked exactly the same at 109,000 miles. Expected and luckily, pretty cheap to replace.

They have the chain tensioners pulling up on them all the time
If you look at a main bearing and it has a 930 number on it and says std for standard,
engine has not probably been opened before.
Bruce

I'm pretty sure it's not been opened before. Dates on all the shells are mid to late '81.