Do I have to change the piston rings and rod bearings?

1996 FORD MUSTANG
14,000 MILES
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DIESLE
I bought the car with a blown head gasket. When I took the engine apart I found that both head gaskets were blown. I had the heads resurfaced with a valve grind and new seals. I'm a teenager with no prior experience but my brother who works for nascar is coming out to help me but I don't know if I need to change the piston rings and rod bearings.I realy don't want to have to do that because it's especially hard on the '96 mustang. If I have to replace the piston rings and rod bearings I will need to drop the entire front suspension system and that is a lot of work that I'd rather not do unless absolutly necessary. When the owner grenaded the engine both gaskets went so I don't think he was running the engine with antifreeze in it so that's why I'm wandering if I need to change the rings and rod bearings.
Sep 12, 2011 at 7:44 PM
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PROMECHANIC
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Usually you don't have to. The only time I would suggest that you do it is if there has been coolant in contact with the bearings. In that case it should be done because coolant can cause premature bearing failure.
Sep 12, 2011 at 7:58 PM
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