Well after the $6500, you have truck that will give you many years. For the same price on value, about $10K, you won't find a truck with a new motor too.

shop aroundfor quotes just to be sure, as Well as second opinions on repairs.

 

I would not deal with a swap. This isn't a 60s Ford. This truck has too many computers for any worthwhile swap IMO.

When you say fading, is it something beyond a tune-up and timing?

 

Dealers will say you need new engine . Not so in most cases . If you can do labor and you checkout cams and crankshaft end play maybe a compression check . a full timing job in parts is around $1400. It should then run like a top for at least 100k . Remember on a reman you are moving over a lot of parts also . Injectors ,throttle body ,intake manifiold etc .
With your own labor you get upgraded parts and the newest high-volume melling oil pump the hv360 .
used engine is not practical . It depends on your will/energy . We can talk you thru it ,I am not a mechanic and I did it at 70 yrs .
Special tools are minimal most can be rented/free at big box stores . All the help is on here ,mainly oem parts use no junk . Its a pain but doable for most guys. Its nice to have a garage and take your time but a lot of us have done it under a roof of some kind . It can be done in a weekend if you are good but I advise going slower .
If you like the truck it beats 60k for a new one and interest payments etc .
Don't reman unless you get a warranty and some say on parts ,like a new oil pump melling hv 360 . And maybe old style steel ratcheting chain tensioners .OEM phasers for sure .

 

It was for me. I plan on me my truck for many more years.