Just got done doing the head gaskets on a 1994 Chevy K2500 5.7L, and I believe it won't be long until I need to do the Dakota. With the Chevy I replaced the exhaust manifolds. If I was not going to replace them, a few folks suggested to use a spreader tool to help align the bolt holes if reinstalling the old ones, due to possible minor warpage. What should I expect to encounter with the Dakota manifolds? I see none of the typical auto parts stores has an exhaust manifold available for this, so I am guessing this will be somewhat a different experience from the Chevy!

 

The exhaust manifold will line back in nice. I'm not sure why you would need a spreader tool. Or even why you would have any problems besides the pipes dropping down a bit. The exhaust manifold doesn't need to be replaced. Are you talking about the gaskets?

I don't think your talking about the exhaust manifold. Post up a picture of exactly what you are talking about.

 

Yep, I am talking about the exhaust manifolds - apparently the 5.7l Chevy, and Chevy "big blocks" are rather prone to this problem. Nice not to have to be concerned over this for the Dakota. At least...

Any warnings or advice? That Chevy was the first I ever did. Nice and successful, but researched the heck out of it first and went nice and slow. Also had a tremendous "support group" at a Chevy forum.

 

What is the problem the Chevys had? Was it only on the 5.7 Vortec?

 

Guess I was "lucky", as since both of mine were cracked, I had to buy new ones anyway... ;-)

 

Putting the exhaust manifolds is easy, as long as you follow the steps. Put the inner bolts in first, then the outer ones. If you do it the opposite way, they'll never line up.

 

Any advice or good guides/videos you folks have come by?

This will be the second job of this nature I have done, so I am not all that sure of what the heck I am doing.

Any tip or warnings are greatly appreciated!

 

You can download the factory service manual in the FAQ in this section. This will give you a complete description on R&R. You will need to reinstall the head bolts, intake bolts in the correct sequence and the correct torque.

 

Am I hallucinating, or do Chilton's, RepairPath.com and AutoZone guides appear to all be the same thing!?

And I will duplicate a note I left in my other thread in case someone comes by this in their search of the FSM - do NOT look the site's FAQ, but at one of the sticky-posts that are in the beginning of the 1st Generation posts containing the acronym "FAQ", after the announcements, presently the third sticky post, specifically labeled:

**FAQ -----General Info, Common problems, Factory Service Manuals**

I note this as in my search I found I am not the only person who got lost, and it is a tremendous reference benefit that this board has to offer! And that includes all the other items in those couple of sticky-post FAQs.