Im fixing to have my head gaskets replaced and was wondering if its possible to install ARP head studs with the block still in the truck, Anybody done this and have any advice? Just really dont wanna pull the block if I dont have to.
Ford denied to fix it again(passanger side head gasket leaking oil at the rear) because they say the chip caused too much head pressure and made it leak. Wonder what their excuse is for the thousands of other 5.4's leaking!

 

i might be wrong, but i think they are torque to yield bolts and are not reusable, you'll need new bolts anyway.

but the head studs i don't know, i'm just now studying engines in class right now, i'm doing a 5.4L even haha.

 

I believe you cannot do the back two studs with the block in the truck. This has been posted before and I think Donsbolt can answer this for you.

 

You can do it in the truck, I've done it dozens of times. What I do is get a piece of high pressure 3/8" power steering hose, slip a 3" 3/8" drive extention in the end with a clamp, and then slip the hose over the stud. Then you can spin the stud in with an air wratchet. The only studs that MUST be in the head when you put it on the motor, is the bottom two rear most studs on the pass side. All the other studs can be slipped in place with the heads on. It's not a fun job, but it's better than pulling the motor .

Hope this helps.

 

Sal- Thanks VERY much for the info.!!!! You've definatley made life alot easier for me now! You da man!

Hope Im able to run into ya at the track sometime and just shoot the s***.

Rodney

 

Sal, with a studded engine, can you remove the heads without removing the engine?

 

"The only studs that MUST be in the head when you put it on the motor, is the bottom two rear most studs on the pass side."

Sal,
I am reading this as the passenger side head must come off the motor, and reinstalled with the back 2 lower studs slid into the head??? If this is the case the front engine acc., rad, etc. must be removed to access the timing cover, chain and sprockets correct??
I'm curious because we were just having this conversation last weekend. We came to the conclusion it would be too close to risk trying on the rear passenger side for some shadetree mechanics.

Thanks,
Eric

 

Well, naturally you have to remove the timing cover and chains to remove the heads. What I mean by the two lower rear studs must go on and off with the head, is that they cannot be installed or removed with the head on. What I do, is take two O rings and slip them on the studs. Then slide the studs in the head holes, so that they are just shy of coming out the bottom of the head. That allows you to place the head on with the studs in it. Then once the head is on, you lift the studs up, grab the O rings off, and drop the studs back into place.