Rod knock and course of action

[96hunkofshit]

I believe either my oil pump went out or the dent in my oil pan obstructed the pickup(going to replace both) but either way she was starved for a moment and now she's got a knock. Not the worst knock ive ever heard however I am anticipating my course of action since I've seen on here previously people have said rod knock immediately call for the replacing of the motor, Id prefer to keep the same motor since I was contemplating accessing the rotating assembly from underneath removing the diff, if I open her up and measure the crank journal clearances would I be alright not machining anything and just replacing all the bearings and anything else I don't like the sight of with the motor still mounted ? 

[Slartibartfast]

I've heard of people rolling bearings into engines from underneath. Not sure I've heard of anyone doing it on a VG, but I don't see why it wouldn't work, provided the crank isn't beat to hell. I'm not sure fighting with it on your back with oil dripping in your eyes would end up being less work than pulling the engine, though.