Id pull the glow plugs and pressurize it overnight and then get someone to crank it while you watch. We found a very slightly cracked head that way last year.
Disable fuel and crank it with a amp clamp connected to a lab scope on the starter wire. That will tell you if you have a valve/compression issue. If you do, pull a glow plug and use the firing order to figure out which hole is low.
The diesel shop llc on buttermilk road. Yeah they did, but that was because they were doing semis. They only have one pickup mechanic and he doesn't like performance stuff.
GENTLY turn the wheel all the way left till you feel it get tight. Then all the way right counting the turns, the go back left half that number till the wheel is level. Then install everything with the wheels straight and you will be gtg.
What is a safe number on the stock bottom end in your opinion?
And congrats on a 11 on a stock motor OP, i know i wouldn't push mine that hard if i didn't have cash sitting around to build a motor!