At the moment, the DiscoLady does not appear to be in need of a HG job, but alas, an ounce of prevention. Assuming the best (a dangerous proposition, at best, I know), let's say we make it through the South Flatistan (Florida) rainy season and sweltering summer and can do a HG replacement in the Fall. I'd like to start getting parts together little by slowly (easier on the budget, and easier for DW to digest). After looking at dozens of write-ups and posts it strikes me that I haven't really seen one post/thread/etc. that sorta lists all the recommended parts to include while doing a HG replacement. Some guys do list the parts they are using, but I'd like to see one thread where those with experience in the matter can chime in with recommended parts / to-do's while doing the HG job.

I've seen the AB kit recommended quite often. I've also seen Jeff Tilley's re-done heads recommended by some. Share your experience with those of us yet to earn the satisfaction of a HG job well done, and thanks!

 

If you are looking for just the head gasket kit then AB makes a great one. It comes with everything you need and some extra stuff so don't be shocked with a few extra bits at the end.

When I did my head gaskets I took the chance to replace a lot of other parts as well and the truck has been great to me for 50k miles since then. Here is my parts list and link to the thread I made while installing everything.
"Doing a Major 100k mile service"

Parts list (from pg.5 of my thread) this doesn't include things like new plugs and all the fluids to fill everything back up

I just wanted to make a quick post and list the parts that I've ordered so far.

Atlantic british:

4 Valve cover bolt-Short $1.95ea $7.80
4 Valve cover bolt-Long $1.95ea $7.80
2 Gasket-Exhaust Manifold To Pipe $7.95ea $15.90
1 Head Bolt Kit $79.95
1 Oil cooler pipe O-Ring $2.95
1 Oil Pan drain plug washer $0.95
1 Timing Chain Kit $109.95
1 Hose- Thermostat to Water pump $84.95
1 Hose- Radiator Top $67.95
1 Oil Pump Gear Kit $99.95
1 Water Pump- Brass $159.95
1 Hose-Radiator Lower to Thermostat $13.95
16 Bolt Exhaust Manifold $2.95ea $47.20
1 Head Gasket Set Composite V8 BOSCH $169.95
1 O-Ring Oil pickup tube $1.29
1 Gasket-Muffler to Tailpipe $10.95
1 Thermostat $31.95

Parts: $913.39
Shipping: $35.06
total: $948.45

Kingsborne:

1 8mm wire set- Blue $35.87
Shipping: $15.54
total: $51.41

Glowshift:

1 Universal Single Gauge Swivel Pod $6.99
1 Tinted 7 color oil pressure Gauge w/Extended wire harness $64.98
1 Oil Filter sandwich adapter $29.99

Free shipping
total: 101.96

In total I've spent $1101.55 on parts so far.

 

Jared knows what he is doing. I glanced at the list and have replaced all of those parts, but not all when doing the HG. Makes more sense to do it when your truck is already in pieces and immobilized for the HG job, IMHO. Unfortunately I'm more of an "if it ain't broke don't fix it, so fix it when it breaks" type of guy and I wish I wasn't. Preventative maintenance is way better.

I used the Reinz kit on DiscoMike's recommendation with new head bolts, and did have some parts left over. However, the leftover parts could not have amounted to more than 15 dollars worth. I added a 180 degree thermostat.

To be brutally honest when I opened the kit and all of the little plastic and rubber and copper rings fell out I couldn't help exclaiming several curse words because I didn't know where most of them went. In fact, I still didn't know halfway through the HG project and found where some went by just looking at what was on the truck and holding the new parts up for comparison. A monkey sh*fight.

Best,

Charlie V

 

Also... And I add this to every HG thread I find so no one else will experience my particular pain and expense... Be careful with your wiring harness. Treat it as though hundreds of dollars and two months of misery hang in the balance, because they do. It is made of butterfly wings and must be treated as such.

 

Wow, awesome write-up Jared, I had not seen that one. Thanks!

 

Good price I bought Magnacore a few years back they were more than that.
AB head gasket kit. Yes worked great for me.
Be sure to get heads to a machine shop to shave them flat and change valve seals etc.
I have near 40K on my head gasket job. I used the stretch bolts from AB Studs we a bit expensive I thought.
Good write ups with pics on this and other forums follow along with your own pics and notes.
Good luck and take your time don't hurry

 

The only thing I would have done different when doing my heads is add ARP Head Studs in place of the stretch bolts. Don't get me wrong, I have not had any problems with the new stretch bolt, but I think the ARP studs are a great upgrade.
ARP Head Studs For Land Rovers And Range Rovers

Also be sure to get a warm weather thermostat to lower those engine temps.
Land Rover Discovery II Replacement Thermostat

 

This has been posted in another thread but to keep all the goodness in one thread...lucky8 has studs for half that price: Lucky8 Llc. - Take the road less traveled...

 

^ wow ^ i missed that.
that is great price. they need to triple that price, so they can pay someone to fix that website.

 

Ya it's a crazy price, I'm almost tempted to buy them now for when my HGs go down the road in case they up the price by then.