Im pretty sure i dont have a bent rod, but the truck seems to start hard when cold. As in, sounds harsh, and lets out a big nasty white cloud when it fires. Cold as in has not been running for atleast 24 hours. Continues to smoke for about 30 seconds. Cylinder 4 balance rate is out of wack at about 4.5 until the truck warms up a little. Once warmed up a bit it runs fine and the balance rates are perfect .