if ti is a cracked head as you think it is, could it be welded or do I have to buy a new head?

Cast iron is hard to weld and it's a thin casting so as it is. You would be better with a new head, just pray it isn't a head cuz when mine went, the connecting rod bearings went a few days later. Just check every possible solution

Yeah i would get a referb'd head

warthog,
thanks for your responses.

google 0331 head and thats what ya got....... a updated replacment can be gotten on ebay (clearwater cyl head) or Alabama cylinder head..... both about $475 w/shipping.
I would not buy a 0331 that was refurbed locally as it could be another one of the bad years (00-01)

Took the head to the machine shop today to get it tested. I think it was overheating because the radiator was so bad that the ports were still clogged with junk and rust. So my main concern now is a cracked head or cracked block. If no crack in the head I'll hope and pray block is good and out it all back together.

Good luck man. I really doubt you've cracked the block. It would take a hefty amount to do so.

I agree with jarretthose if you cracked the block you gotta be doing something special

I just heard from the machine shop and my head is not cracked. He is planning it right now. When I have it all together I will post. Thanks for comments and advice, really appreciated.

I have replaced the head gasket, water pump and radiator. It still overheats, runs fine on really short trips. Garage mechanic said it probably is a crack in the block. I guess my work was for nothing. Any ideas?

I really doubt you cracked your block without your head cracking. i personally have never heard of that. I am going to reread from the start and start ruling some things out

Have you or a mechanic tried pressure testing the cooling system?

Back to basics.
When exactly is it overheating?
How fast?
Level or incline?
Does it slowly overheat or shoot over to the red?
Is it boiling over?
Can you hear your efan running?
Does your fan clutch have resistance when its hot?
What PSI rad cap you got?
Does your lower rad hose have an internal spring?
Remove a little bit of your coolant and check for oil sheen.
Does your motor oil look normal?
Its a lot of questions but they will help us get you back on track. Maybe some other guys have some they can add

it overheats after 10-15 minutes highway driving. Shoots up to red. Lower rad hose has a spring. Rad cap 16 psi. No pressure test.

oil looks good. But water looks almost black.