Vortech 4.3 knock with info.

I have a 1995 jimmy 4 door 4.3 vin w CPI. I went 4 wheeling last year busted the radiator doing full jumps all 4 wheels off the ground. I brought it home did a oil change replaced the radiator and temp sensor "Temp sensor melted off thats how hot it was" Started it up and it had a knock sounded like top end. I took it to my mechanic he said it was a rod knock. I was like ok drive it till it dies. It still hasn't 35,000 miles later total of 175,000. I know it needs a CPI I can smell gas and it has rough Idle. But could this knock just be a bent pushrod, busted spring or stuck lifter? I hate to replace the CPI to just see a rod make a big hole in the block. Any help appreciated.