The 'pinning' may be the same repair done on certain 5.9 Cummins engines, however it is only to repair blocks that crack at frost plugs, or into the water jacket elsewhere, first time I ever heard of it being done for a head. Guess some folks will do anything for a $. (Meaning both the PO and the shop that did it. I don't think it is a DIY repair.)

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1984 300 D runs, interior
1984 300 D light hit in front, RUST, mint/perfect dash, decent interior (see above), parts car
(hate to kill one)
1998 Dodge diesel