So i got my brakes fixed FINALLY and i had Leif at JCrover look over everything and he says i need head gaskets... Oh no the dreaded head gasket misfortune, Also need to replace the oil cooler lines and PS suction hose. How much work am i looking out for those few jobs?

 

Depends whos doing it; I had mine done for $1,200. But I've heard the stealership charges around three grand.

 

Im saying what am i looking at if i park it in my garage and attempt to do it. Granted i have like a socket set a jack and a few other general tools. Im sure a job like head gaskets require some special tools... Right?!

 

Before starting on an HG job - might want a second opinion that it is required. As far as tools and skills, you will increase your stock of both by the time you are done. One trick for "first time" on anything with lots of bolts - take pictures as you go, and each bolt that come off gets poked thru a big piece of cardboard, write down where it came from. Will need a torque wrench, and expect this to take twice as long as people estimate. Also, once heads are off - do you need them to go to the cylinder head shop to be checked for flatness and skimmed (were they warped), do you need to do valve seals at the same time (cheap), and valve guides (not so easy)?

My dad and I did the HG on mom's '58 Desoto Firedome 392 hemi (hydraulic lifters) in the driveway one afternoon. I was about 12 at the time. Lot more things to take on and off these days, but the number of cylinders has not changed.

All that said - enjoy the challenge, plan on not driving the Disco (need back up vehicle to go get parts), and buy a set of all the parts (gaskets, new head bolts, etc.).

 

I never did head gaskets on mine yet but the power steering hose is a simple job with no special tools and the oil cooler lines arent that diificult either just use some PB blaster and soak the fittings down real good for a couple days, they tend to rust up a little.

 

Where you're located will have a big effect on the price to have your heads machined, valve job, etc. Expect to pay $300-600 depending on your location.
Contact Will Tillery and get the whole head gasket kit with all new bolts. Now is a good time to replace other stuff too. Like water pump, belt, thermostat, etc.
You'll need a torque wrench, 5/16" 16 point 1/4" drive deep socket, white or silver marker to mark the head bolts when retorquing.

 

Make it a "Hangar Queen" and take your time working your way thru all of that majhor stuff if it has not been done.

Much better to do it one good time, cheaper in the long run and you get to know and understand the vehicle and can get several more year4s good use out of it.

Otherwise if you pay a shop to do it, they will still have it for at least a few days and you will pay quite a fee dollarwise and probably not get everything done that you could do doing it yourself.

 

If you can remove the oil cooler lines without damaging the ends, you can have them rebuilt locally. The same goes for the PS hose, if it is the pressure line vs. return line. If it's a return line, then no need to have a shop do it.

Lots and lots to read on the 'net regarding LR head gasket replacement. You will most likely get all your questions answered by searching and reading.

 

After seeing Jeff, if you want another option, send me your number and I'll be glad to get you some pretty accurate quotes.
I just spoke with another person from Denver 2 days ago that was quoted $1300 for a tune up to correct 2 misfires, he is now doing it himself for under $250.