I went to my Indy and he told me not to bother replacing the lower manifold gaskets, because within a month they would start leaking (ticking)again. Now....I am a perfectionist, I hate warning lights, I hate ticks chirps and rattles. Is this something I need to get used to, or will replacing the gaskets last longer than what he stated. I truly find this hard to believe.

 

I didn't have a ton of issues with mine until after they were removed when my head gaskets had to be replaced. I didn't actually replace them because my kit didn't come with any and the local shop didn't have any in stock. Also the studs were rusted and this was about the hundredth thing I found that the mechanic ****ed up. And again, I've done every doo of the work its needed since on my own. Anyway... He didn't get them all tightened down and they ended up blowing out the side. I replaced them, the studs broke, I used two sets of vice grips on each side instead of replacing the studs and they never leaked again until I replaced with headers.

I understand being a perfectionist. I'm the same way. My current exhaust leak is killing me because I can't even find it. I can only hear it inside the truck, not outside.

Anyway, long story short, just replace them and replace the studs at the same time. Use some permatex copper exhaust RTV at the same time if it makes you feel better. I doubt you'll have any more problems out if it if you do it right.