Diesel Bombers - Help in Alaska!! Engine knock

Hello all, first time poster, long time creeper on these forums. I'm in desperate need of a reputable diesel mechanic between Fairbanks and anchorage. In the middle of a looooong road trip and my truck developed a knock that seems to be coming from below. I've tested all injectors, even replace #5 as that where the noise seems to be loudest. Good fuel, cylinder passes compression test. I'm told by local shop that it may be a collapsed skirt and they want $5k just in labor to pull motor and "look" to see what might be going on. The other diesel shop is the dealer and they are 3 weeks out to get it on the schedule. Truck is not smoking, haven't noticed and increased in oil consumption or a decrease in fuel mileage. Little to no power loss. Really need another opinion from someone more knowledgeable then me. We're in Fairbanks going to roll the dice and head south to anchorage since it's a large city we may have better luck. I'm posting on all the forums if anyone can help. I'm happy to give more info. Thank you