'96 Caravan 3.8L crank & bearings replacement

[95astroman]

While having a new transmission installed under warranty, the dealer tested my caravan forgeting to put oil in engine. Dealer claimed the knock noice was there when I had the vehicle towed in for the tranny work. It was my word verses the dealer and this is the reason I never use the dealer for repair but this was the only way to get the tranny warranty.
Anyway, my '96 Grand Caravan LE W/3.8L engine W/100K miles has a terrible crank bearing knock. I've been told that there's a crank & bearing kit that can be installed without removing the engine. Is this true and has anyone done this?

[Bernard Feltzer]

If your word is so good, why are you backing down already?
How do you know they tested engine with out oil?

[95astroman]

I didn't have proof that they forgot to put oil in the engine after they installed the transmission but there was no sign of the slightest bearing knock when I had the caravan towed(flatbed) to the dealer for the R&R on the tranny. (I checked both engine and tranny oil levels when the tranny started slipping and by the way, the dealer disputed the tranny warranty until I called the regional mgr.) When I came to pick up the van the service manager said it had quite a bearing knock. When I started it, the engine sounded like it was going to jump out of the van, especially under load. I couldn't believe my ears.
I can image after the tranny was installed the mech probably started it up and floored it to see it shift through all 4 gears and then down shifted it a couple times before the engine spun a bearing.....
No problem....just say it was that way when it came in and try to sell the customer a long block for $2800 or better yet a new car. I think he actually thought I was going to have him do the work !!!!