Progress indeed. That ECU is more than likely your issue. You should feel proud of yourself for not giving up like the previous owner did.

$10 for a transistor is really steep. You can buy a used ECU with a warranty for around $50-$100 on Ebay. There is also a member on here named Paul Grant and he parts out rovers. If you can't find a good deal on Ebay look him up and send him a message, he will have what you need.

I really admire your willingness to try and fix the ECU, lord knows I wouldn't do open heart surgery on my ECU. I personally would just replace the whole thing and be done with it. Keep us posted on the progress.

 

Would I need the dealer to reprogram the ECU if I swap it out with a different one?
I thought I read somewhere that there was a security code that needs to be reprogrammed so the truck stays running?
Thanks for the tip on the parts guy.

 

you are correct the ECU's would have to be sync

 

Do you know if the Hawkeye OBDII tool can resync a used replacement ECU?
Is the dealer the only way to get a used ECU sync'd?

 

I'm not sure on that. Here is the Hawkeye manual. It might give you a better idea. If all else fails just give the guys at D.A.P a call and ask- Toll Free 800-955-2818

http://www.dap-inc.com/hawkeye/Hawkeye_V5_manual.pdf

I think that programming the computer would be in the "security" section under programming options.

I saw an option in the security section for "Bath Robe Lock" on page 71 of the manual. I wonder what the hell that's for?

 

I swapped out my burnt transistor in the ECU this morning and all codes are clear. No more misfires. I took it for a short ride this evening and still no codes. I'm happy I didn't need to go to the dealer to have a second hand ECU reprogrammed.
The truck runs really nice with all 8 cylinders! Now I need to think about looking at the front drive shaft with all that power but first I need to put my headliner back up since I also fixed two sunroofs. Thanks the help.

 

Great Job. You succeeded in repairing what the PO gave up on and sold the truck over. You should take the truck by his house for a victory lap.