just tryin to get an idea for my buddy to get his studs put in ..thnx

 

Look at entry number 16 under "Upgrade" in this forum. In short, the cab doesn't need to come off, nor do the heads, they can be done ONE AT A TIME and not violate the head gasket, and there was a reference to a tool to help out the process.

 

If I was going to do this job, there is no way I would do them one at a time. Some have said this works, but it's not going to work if you're already leaking. It is quicker and easier to just lift the cab.

I've seen estimates of labor from $1500 up to $3000. Just depends on where you bring it.

Snap-on makes a special tool to aid in torquing the back head studs. Not necessary if the cab is off though.

 

Good point! If your head gaskets are already leaking, you're in for the entire deal.

 

my headgaskets were replaced with the cab on. but the a/c condensor and related plumbing were removed, and the blower was unhooked and moved off to the side. it was a tight fit but it worked. my mechanic stated that he was a mechanic and not a body tech. basically the motor would come out before the cab came off.

 

You can do it any way you want, take the motor right out, leave it in, leave the cab on or take the cab off. The quickest and easiest way is to take the cab off, provided you have the resources to do so. (a lift with a tall garage).

 

I was at a local dealership last weekend getting my 30k mile trans fluid change and asked how much they would charge, after trying to avoid the question some, he finally said I was looking at about $5k in labor if it's out of warranty. He said just leave it alone until you have a problem.