[ericjack]

I have a question concerning head bolt issues on 6.0 Powerstrokes. If you have one that currently DOES NOT have any head gasket issues, can a person change over to studs without pulling the heads? Like, pull one head bolt, install a stud, pull another bolt, install stud, and so on. If so, will the bolts clear everything coming out, and the studs go back in without cab jacking, etc.? Thanks for any input.

 

[weasel79]

I asked that question one time and everybody told me that you couldnt do that due to room back by the heater core. Unless they were messing with me.

 

[GregH]

Theoretically, the head gasket will keep it's seal.

In prectice, it won't work as well as doing the job right.

Either way, some of the rear bolts will not come out without hitting the body...

 

[jimmy]

You can get the head with rocker carrier and bolts already in place held by baling wire or rubber bands to come out and go in by the HVAC case. Since there is no clearance to pull the bolts out by the case then doing this bolt for stud change would not work with cab on, head left in place.
Cab off it's possible.
Then the issue of will the head gasket reseal if the clamping force is released and then put back noce again come up.
Maybe somebody will chime in who has done the cab off bolt for stud swap with no head removal.

 

[sho91mtx]

I would think in theory this would work as long as you solved the rear bolt issue. Just removing one head bolt and installing a stud in it's place shouldn't upset the torque on the gasket too much.

 

[sootballz]

I replaced my head bolts with studs one at a time. I did take the cab off its a very easy job if you have a lift. I tighteded the studs to 100ft/lbs as i put them in so the head kept pressure on the gasket. I also changed them from the middle out like the torque pattern. I didn't have any head gasket issue's before and now that there cranked down at 265 ft/lbs ,( i think that was it), Im still good and confident I wont have any problems.

 

[deerehauler]

My dealer changed my head gaskets and installed arp stud kit that I bought without removing the cab. He said they started doing it that way with no problems and it saves time removing so components instead of the cab

 

[Gofaster23]

The Ford workshop manual's procedure for removing cylinder heads does not include removing the body, it involves removing everything else but the body. Techs only remove the body to save time (for fast techs) or to prevent stress on the back (for old techs). I remove the body for both reasons and I'm in my 20's. In my opinon, it takes more time to remove all of the components as per the workshop manual. I can have the body off in 2 hours, engine torn down in another 2. It takes about almost 2 hours just to remove the evaporator housing without breaking it. Removing the cab is a good thing.