Are the head bolts on the 89 3.9l reusable ? I've read that they are and at the same time I've read they aren't. So which is it ? The 89 FSM doesn't address it from my quick glance at the engine section. Must have missed it if it is in there...... somewhere !

 

i have a factory paper manual for a 2001. it says to take the head bolts , in 2 steps. first step to 50 ft lbs, 2 nd to 105 ft lbs. nothing said about torque to yield. but remember this is a 2001, another year may be different. i think i did hear about some 3.9 was torque to yield, but my brain doesnt work well sometimes.

 

for a high compression engine build up with a cam and all the stuff then yea new ones. just for a 3.9 stock rebuild, same ones should be fine. IMO.

 

My 89 FSM says the same thing so I'm assuming they are NOT TTY bolts and reusable.....

 

for how much new head bolts are I would just buy new ones.

 

In my opinion if you've taken your heads off just replace the bolts to be safe.
Especially if you're not sure since a set of headbolts won't be expensive.

Just replace them.

 

I think I would spring for the new head bolts, too. And be sure to use the proper tap to chase the threads and clean out old carbon and other debris from the bolt threads. Use a not flammable solvent like brake cleaner and final step is to shop vac. the holes. Cleanliness counts! (And clean threads will be less likely to give false torque readings.)

It doesn't hurt anything to use antisieze cream on the exhaust manifold studs, too.

And if they require torquing in two steps, do it in 4 (with smaller increments after finger tight.) And always do the last torque cycle twice.

 

Just talked to Dodge...... tech says you CAN reuse the head bolts. Just have to check the threads with a straight edge. If any are not touching the straight edge, it has been stretched and you need to replace that bolt. They are sold by the piece, not in sets and they are discontinued ! Said there are still some available in the market...... just have to look around for them.

So...... being that this 4x4 Dakota was picked up for scrap price because it wouldn't start and someone didn't know how to check/change a fuse , and it has 275K on it..... I'll spend ~$25 for some gaskets and a few hours worth of time and reuse the bolts to fix the compromised head gasket(s). It's a beater rig for my kid to start driving with next year anyhow. If he doesn't act like an idiot and wants something better, then we'll throw a few hundred at it and rebuilt it for longer term use. Until then...... $25 invested in this $200 rig that actually runs well by the way with a little disappearing coolant issue will be good enough for a quick fix for now.

 

Lol sounds like you got a steal then! if you choose to rebuild it I think I can speak for alot of the guys here, pull that 6 and drop the 5.2 in!

 

Here's what I got for $200.....


We'll see what both my boys want to do over the next year or so. Both will be driving within 2 years. Picked up a Ranger last year too, same deal..... scrap price. Runs great too. Now I have 2 sm trucks for them to start with. Figured might as well start them off dealing with their own transpo. They will be responsible for everything with them. If they do good taking care of them then I have no problem helping them and we may just drop a 5.2 in the Dakota. No skin off my butt....... if they don't, I can get my money back any day of the week from the scrap yard. They can either choose to be responsible and drive..... or walk. Cuz ain't neither one of them touching my Ford 6.0 ! Ooops, did I just say some bad words.......