For a lot of people getting the head bolt nearest the firewall to break loose is the single most challenging thing about the job. A 5/16 impact swivel socket is a good investment.

You'll also want to find a local machine shop to service the heads once they are removed. They should check to ensure the heads aren't warped and correct any problems, grind the valves and valve seats and install the new valve guides that come with the headgasket kit.

I'd also check the fuel injectors and install new injector O-rings while you have the intake removed. The injector O-rings should also come with the headgasket kit. I didn't do that when I did my headgaskets and although I haven't had any related problems I wish I had done so.

In my case it took one weekend to remove the heads and the following weekend to reasssmble and get the truck running. I sent out the heads during the week. Clean all mating surfaces carefully. I'm no pro but I'd done similar work on my '65 Mustang 40 years prior.

Good luck.

 

I did mine over the course 2 weekends since I had a 3 day turn around on getting reworked and my injectors reworked. Depending on your miles and if it's not your daily driver, I would look at getting you injectors cleaned while you have them off. I also had the shop that did my head work, dip my intake and valve covers in their cleaning bath to help get rid of all the old carbon build up in there. Now I had most of my engine powdercoated and ceramic coated while I was in the process for personal preference but when you take your valve covers off, take the plate that is in the interior top out and clean behind it also. You will be surprised how much gunk is there.