First I would look at all of the components that you might want to replace
while in there.

Fuel lines.
Fuel injector seals.
Definitely the two short pieces of coolant hose, one on the crossover pipe
behind the crank pulley, the other between the thermostat and the 3/4 head.
Thermostat.
Check the water pump.
Oil cooler seal.
Rear main seal.
GET VALVE ADJUSTMENT SCREWS. These you can glance at before you ever start
but you will not be able to see the business end of them until you get them
out.
Sounds like it just might be time to call Boston Bob,
and get a complete engine? :o)
John C...