Chrysler Repair: Dodge 2004 2.7L engine re-building, sludge problem, rod bearings

Question
Roland, my son has a 04 Intrepid with the 2.7 and we recently changed the oil pan gasket had a leak where it meets the timing chain cover.  It also has a bottom knock from my research probably a rod?  I also read about the sludge problem can i do and engine flush then change the rod bearings from the bottom.  Do I need to change the main bearings and oil pump as well.  Thanks Pete

Answer
Hi Peter,
I don't know about the specifics of remediating that engine. I do have the '98 shop manual that covers the 2.7L and which is about 44 pages in length. If you decide to give it a try let me know and I can xerox copy and postal mail the pages to you. It would cost me about $3.00 to do that. It appears from scanning the manual quickly that you probably have to remove the engine from the car to do main and rod bearings. My suggestion would be to speak with an engine rebuilding shop and see what experience/success thay have had with the 2.7L as to what the extent of the rebuild has to be.
Roland
PS: I also have the 2.7L engine section from the '03 Sebring manual. It is more detailed, totaling 75 pages. It would be worth reviewing before undertaking any engine job...I am impressed with all the details. My copying costs/postage would be about $5.00.