Those hoses tend to attach themselves pretty well after so many years, it would seem like they are glued but they are not.

 

discorover007, I also think if you had any problem with your oil pump it would have failed many miles ago. Just drive it and enjoy it.

 

Thanks for your reply's. Do you think it's possible that the dealer replaced the lower engine? Perhaps it was damaged due to oil pump failure?

When my mechanic took apart the engine to do the head gaskets he said the cross hatchings looked new but the bottom of the cylinder heads looked used and showed wear.

 

I've broken down 2 100K engines and the cross hatching looked new.

 

your oil pump is fine.

 

Have you tried calling your local dealer and asking them if they can confirm whether the oil pump, front cover, and/or engine have ever been replaced?

When I bought my '99 I used Carfax to identify the original dealer, who I then called. I gave them the VIN and they were able to tell me about the general maintenance, answer any specific questions I had about the work they had done and the circumstances around the truck being traded in (since it had been traded back to them w/ 95k miles.)

It's entirely possible they won't tell you anything, but it can't hurt to ask...