From what I understand, it is not if but when with the headgaskets on a 2003, and up until 70k my truck did have Dexcool in it and I am at 76k now...

I have the standard tick, but other than that the truck has no issues, but it is what I prefer to drive daily and I want to keep it that way, so my question is, does it make sense to go ahead and do the head gaskets even though they are fine right now to prevent having them go bad on their and causing some real damage?

Does anyone ever make it to 100k with the HGs intact?

 

Yeah, it can happen. Like me. 98,680 today and counting. I'm hoping to make it to 110,000 before I have have to change them, no ticks, likes Mobil 1 10w 40. I dont have to add any oil between changes and now with the oil pan gasket and crankseal changed my Rover does not leak anymore. There is a small external oil leak in the HG, but there is no difference than at 60k. Its ever so slight.

 

I wouldn't touch it until it starts having symptoms. There is always a chance you could crack the block when replacing the head gaskets.....

 

sent PM

 

If you want to also fix that tick, yes, I would say do the gaskets now while you are also repairing the valve train issue.

 

I'm at 130K with no service records or dealer archives to indicate a HG job or Drive-shaft change at any point. I had the VIN run at the dealer and at the indie shop where some of the work was done.