Yea...


Ive done at least two, and I think both were less than $1000...using quality parts too.

 

I could really use some input on the HG kit to buy and whether to go with studs or bolts. The truck is mostly a daily driver, but on occasion I do go off-trail, no extreme rock climbing though.

I'd appreciate if you have suggestions on what other items to swap out while I'm doing the job. I'm trying to scour the forum as much as possible. Thanks!

 

I just finished my head gaskets today. If you have SAI you will need a 18mm crows foot wrench and 27mm combo wrench. If you don't have 12mm, 12 point socket you will need one for the exhaust manifolds. Make sure you have a good breaker bar and torque wrench as well.

For the kit, I got the Victor Reinz kit and ARP Studs from Lucky8. They have the best prices by far when it comes to getting everything you need for the job.

 

Hello again,

I've been calling machine shops in preparation for when my heads are off. I called one in the area that is top-rated on Yelp, and he was very thorough and clear cut with what he was going to do. Quoted me $200 for the pair to check/resurface heads and valve job.

Question though- he said he wouldn't need the specs, that he always removes the bare minimum to get them straight again. What are your thoughts on this?

 

You can check the heads yourself using a straightedge and flashlight.


If the valves don't get taken out, theres no reason for a valve job.


Clean everything yourself.

 

The only reason he needs the spec is to make sure he doesn't take too much off.

 

^Excellent advice. A 12 point 8mm for valve cover bolts and a few 1/2" drive wobble extensions to use with 1/2" drive breaker bar for head bolts. The ones next to the firewall are tight.

 

Remember, if the machine shop surfaces the heads you will likely have to shim the rocker shaft pedestals in order to obtain the correct tappet/push rod clearances. Little known, but critical.

 

Well, damn. I have no idea even where to start with that. I've never come across that reading any of the forums in preparation to do this job. Should this stop me from doing it on my own?

 

I know technically this is what one should do, generally speaking, but I have never done it.

I know techs that have done over 100 HG jobs and never done it. To this day, no ill effects.