Headstuds/Gaskets project.. Need tips, suggestions, help!
 

Hey guys, so here we go. Bout to order parts for the truck because the head gaskets are goin and the head bolts are stretched (typical). I would really appreciate some helpful tips and pointers going into this project. Ive got a lift in the garage which should make the lifting of the cab go fairly well. I want to order ARP studs and i was told I'm best off to go with OEM head gaskets, however i would like to know what else i may need to complete this project. id rather not tear my truck apart and then realize I'm missing a bunch of much needed parts. If anyone knows torque specs that would be a huge help, also I'm guessing i need exhaust manifold gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, possibly fuel injector o-ring kit? I would love to know all of the parts needed as i plan on ordering them this week. Also was going to order a sinister EGR delete. I am currently running with a homemade (welded) type EGR delete and figure i might as well do the full delete while the cab is off. Please post up any suggestions as far as a TOTAL PARTS LIST, torque specs and even pointers throughout the project would be very helpful! Thank you all, Happy Holidays! :tu:

The head gaskets will come with the torque sequence and the studs will come with the torque spec, think they are 215ft lbs. They tell you to do a 3 step torque but I always do a 4 step 40-100-170-215. make sure to use the lube on the studs and lube the washers too. The head gasket kit from ford comes with the new standpipe too, They were around $135 a side from Tousley ford. I see you upgraded the oil cooler and adde a coolant filter so they are good. Has the STC fitting been replaced on the HPOP, if not then make sure you do that now, its around $38 from tousley. Also now would be the perfect time to do a water pump as preventive measure. Yes you will need to get 8 injector Oring kits, they are cheap, 5 bucks a set. Most important is to take the heads to a machine shop that is familiar with the 6.0s and have them pressure tested/internal fuel rail/ and checked for flatness, when they do that and it needs to be machined then it needs to have a valve job done also to recess the valves propery.

If you're removing the cab then you will definitely save yourself a lot of time and backache. You won't necessarily have to remove the exhaust manifolds, only reason I did is because I did it cab-on and wanted the heads and light as possible to lift them out (where the backache I talked about previously came into play). The kit that I used and love is the BulletProof Diesel Head Gasket Install Kit, includes Ford head gaskets, updated stand pipes, dummy plugs, valve cover gaskets, all o-rings, ARP head studs, assembly lube, and a new thermostat. All for just a c**t-hair over $1k. I also used the BPD Professional Package which has fuel filters, an oil filter, HPOP fitting and some other little goodies For $220. With those two packages, the only things you will need to buy at the store are oil and coolant. My total bill was around $3500 because I did my EGR and oil coolers, complete coolant flush, and oil bypass filter all at the same time I did the studs.

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Head Gasket Install Complete Kit, Ford 6.0L

2003-2004 6.0L Professional Package - OEM Oil Filter

How are your welding skills, you could make the head install/remove bracket.

http://www.powerstroke.org/forum/gen...e-bracket.html

:dang: Pooh, where were you with that 3 years ago when I did my HGs!!!

I made one that bolts to the turbo pedestal mounting holes in the block ,4 bolts, then it uses 2 bolt holes from the oil cooler as well, so that is 6 bolts to hold it down and it is important to set the lifting eye right about at the back of the oil cooler hole.

LOL! I just copied the Ford bracket from OTC, they want $112-$125 for a bracket that can be made for less than half the cost.

Thanks all! very helpful, keep em coming! :c:

On your 06 you need to figure out if you have 18mm or 20mm heads.

20mm