I'm not really sure what the issue would be there.... unless they come with some coating on them? I have wire wheeled head bolts on many occasions, and never had a comeback.

 

I was always told not to do it because the wheel will grab the bolt and fling it across the shop, the tolerance of standard bolts isn't close enough for the wire wheel to remove enough material to make a difference

 

So long as one doesn't go crazy with using a wire wheel on the head bolt, there are no issues with the practice. I've done it, along with running a die across the threads to ensure they are clean and have had no issue with either practice. I also run a tap into the block's head bolt threads to ensure they are clean, too.

 

That's actually suggested practice when re-using head bolts. (and running the tap down the bolt holes in the block regardless.) Gives you more accurate torque when bolting things down.

 

I just replaced the plenum and intake manifold gaskets on my 2001 5.9L and had no EGR tube connected to the manifold. I didn't realize other 2nd gen Rams had an EGR valve.

 

94-95 had egr. 96 and up did not.

 

I learn something new every day :-)

 

Im told to toss the factory head bolts and buy new ones.
Because they stretch when torqued and dont come back after.
Factory bolts reused just stretch again. Actually making them more prone to stripping or stretching under pressure or breaking.
I know. We've reused them for years and still will. I personally have never bought new and never had an issue.
Just saying. I myself may switch to ARP studs if I need to pull my heads off for any reason. Well, I'd at least think about it.
Plus I'd shave the heads for a bit more compression.
Port, polish, big valves maybe if doable, better springs.
I mean, while their off.
Cost although is a factor.

 

Investing that kind of money into the stock heads is a waste. The castings are already too thin, so, shaving them would only exacerbate those issues. If you want to improve your heads, replace them. You can get a pair of Iron Ram EQ heads (2.02 intake valves) for under 1000 bucks shipped, and they are MUCH better castings than stock.

 

See. If you have to remove them and you can afford it, get those.
I hate doing things twice when you know you want them.