Options?

[SafeAirOne]

Anyway, I think it is a bearing. ...my deadline being June 1st, it's my 40th birthday, and I had a trip planned in the old truck with my son.

Well, plenty of time to throw some new rod and main bearings in then, since everything else seems to be decent. At least you'll make the trip using the rover.

[rbbailey]

LOL, plenty of time for some people!

I'm just going to take it in to the shop. I'm way too slow to try to pull this off with summer coming, too many projects dealing with actual important things that have to be done first.

[o2batsea]

Besides, aren't these engines made to run on spit and cow piss

No. Good fuel equals good performance.
And I'm sure that you've read Grapes of Wrath.

[rbbailey]

Well, yes. But I have fueled it four or five times from different stations since this has happened -- I only get 5 gal at a time. But what I'm not kidding about it is the fact that it is very difficult to get clear fuel. There is a station near by that carries it, but it is a dollar more expensive than supreme, and they don't always have it in stock. It does make my Disco happy, though, that's for sure.