Only note is, it's usually better to crack the 24 pack of beers open AFTER you're done, or you'll be wondering exactly HOW you got that exhaust manifold on the intake side of the head ... *grins*

Wait ... that sounds like Louisiana! (Yes, south of me has had snow already; up in North Louisiana, we didn't. Go figure.)

RwP

 

 

I'm not saying let it set..I'm saying if it is the heads, now is a good time to swap the engine to a 5.2 or 5.9.. Cheaper and better in the lomg run.

 

 

if I were you, I'd go straight for the 5.9. Car-part.com can help you find one close.

 

Sounds like project inflation to me.

The easiest approach is to get the heads off, have them inspected and maybe reconditioned and put them on. Putting in a 5.X V8 is gonna cost more money and create problems you won't have if you keep it simple. It isn't just an engine, it's exhaust, harness, electronics, etc. Simple and cheap wins the day for me.

 

Engine change seems a lot bigger deal to me but I've never done it . I've had this book marked for a while never used it $175 a head http://www.shop.headsonly.com/DODGE-...OTA-RAM-39.htm

 

That's not a bad deal, Joe would need two heads of course. Most good sized cities have cylinder head exchanges I think. Just a matter of asking around and finding them. Nice thing about exchange is that you can start the job, exchange the heads, and finish the job in two weekends. And usually (my experience) the quality is excellent. Nice to have a guarantee.

I would say, if you think you can do the work yourself, get a Clymer manual and a torque wrench and go for it. Follow the directions to the letter. The hardest part may be disconnecting the exhaust manifolds. I think I'd spring for manifold bolts and studs and head bolts while your at it. Get automotive grade, purpose built hardware. Home Depot or Ace Hardware sourced stuff will not do. If you have a friend who can answer questions and help lift them off and back on that would be great. I have a 96 4wd, if I were doing the engine or even just the heads,after I got the exhaust loose from the manifolds, I'd pull of the front wheels and lower the front end down so things would be more in reach. Use jack stands or something else that's stable, of course.

 

You don't need a full engine gasket set, You can get a cylinder head gasket set for $53 minus 5%, plus shipping from Rockauto--this is the Felpro set, my favorite.