ouch failed block test!? damn i feel for you, i'd be pissed if the vin and plate didn't match their paperwork, doesn't make them seem very thorough.

sounds like a new block may be in the works :( keep talking with the gurus on this site, these guys are very helpful. I don't pray often, but i'll pray you don't have to replace that motor . . . i have a different block in mine now so i feel ya.

on that scanner note you can also have them read for free at autozone.

2 red flags:
#1 would explain the excessive white smoke on cold start.
#2 leads to #1, possibly getting coolant in no 2 cylinder because of a bad head gasket job.

HTF does someone install a head gasket upside down?

Skip autozone and just buy the scanner IMO, yer going to need it lots if you keep this truck.

bundu is right, I actually own one also haha.

sounds a bit like a porous block issue maybe?

I think a botched HG job, coolant getting from the coolant passage into cylinder 2. Think about it, the coolant passage is right next to no 2 and if the HG is not sealing well then you are going to get a pressurized cooling system and coolant draining into no 2. Just my thoughts based on what the OP posted, I could be wrong.

so should i just take this to a dif shop for a 2nd opinion? i just feel like i'm gonna get ripped off one way or another since i know very little about mechanics. i'm also broke as a joke now that i purchased a vehicle, haha. if it's just a head gasket issue, i could afford the $2k possibly, but not $4k if I need a new motor. based on the fault codes, is it just any mechanics best guess as to what the exact problem is? or is it def a specific problem?? i hope Rovey makes it out of this alive! lol

There's no harm in getting a second opinion. It may just need another hg job.
Just to be clear: you do have a problem that needs to be fixed. If you don't fix it then you will need a new engine.
Here is something you can do:
1. Remove the no 2 spark plug in the morning before you start it. No 2 is the front passenger side. Look at the spark plug, does it look clean like it has been steam cleaned?
2. Insert the end of a piece of dry rope or string into the spark plug hole and get it to the bottom of the cylinder. Just don't drop the whole lot in there, because then you have a real problem. Let it soak for a minute and then pull it out. Is it wet?

don't laugh at me but i wouldn't know what a spark plug was if it jumped up and bit me, haha. i'm not mechanically inclined. i'll have someone that knows more than me take a look at that and i'll post the results.

You need to learn... quick. Or this thing is going to eat you alive.
Download the rave service manual here: http://www.landroverresource.com/