is there someplace that i can learn about checking valves on a 2002 2.7t

Make sure it isn't just engine compression stopping you from turning the crank by hand, by pulling the spark plugs.

i haven't pulled the plugs but it does feel solid like it's metal against metal. thanks for the thought and input.

well short of pulling the heads, you can run a couple tests to check for valve damage. One is with a compression tester, but for those to work you need to crank the engine to close the intake and exhaust valves. You can also use a leak-down tester and air hose, pressurize the compression chamber with intake valve in closed position with the throttle body removed, if you have air blowing back into it, you have an open or bent valve. (conversely if you get pressure into the crankcase you have a blown piston ring or hole in the piston.) You can try and determine if valve springs and stems are 90 degrees and same height, but that may be too hard to see visually, it doesn't take much at all to bend a valve. When all is said and done it might just be easier to remove the heads and have them reconditioned.