The truck has 150k on it, not sure how diligent the PO was about oil changes. Does this look normal for 150?

 

I’ve seen much much much much worse!

 

Just make sure all the oil passages are clear. Maybe do a few quick oil changes? I don't know.

 

one of mine looked like it had sand in it, there was so much burned oil. that's clean as a whistle by comparison.

 

Looks good to me - but the oil passages are the big thing

 

Mine were worse. Remove the rocker shafts, spray with oven cleaner, scrub clean. Make sure the rockers move easily - shift them over and use a scotch brite on the shaft. Use a hose nozzle to clean passages in the rocker shafts. Blow dry and coat with engine oil. use a wire on the oil passages in the block to make sure they are clear. Reinstall properly.

 

I'm a wee bit concerned because the little metal spacers that are embedded in the valve cover gasket were missing on both sides on the rear outboard corners, and I couldn't find them anywhere in the head or valley. Think it's possible they were omitted on purpose by a previous mechanic?

 

Typically they show up in the oil pan

 

Do not put that back together until you find them.

 

Literally they are no where to be found.