Sorry, I have the inline 6 (3.0) engine and it looks like you have the 4.4? I don't have a DiY for the "V" type engine, just the inline. The best way to test your VCG is just to look. Check your oil level and note where it is at. Carefully clean your engine top end with engine degreaser or cleaning product you may want to use. Check to see if there are any signs of fresh oil or residue after the engine is cleaned. The VCG aren't too expensive to change out and are quite easy to do if you are mechanically inclined. I changed mine at 60K miles and it was so brittle that the VCG was melted stuck to the valve cover and when I tried to take it off, it broke into small pieces. Most get this way and crack so oil leaks out. If you aren't loosing oil, have rough idle, and your engine runs good, I wouldn't worry too much about the smoke.