What upgrades while doing headgaskets?

[Supergumby5000]

I was just on my way to the airport for a plane i have to catch to go my fiance's grandpa's funeral, and my headgasket just went.

Theres a ford dealership down the street from where im currently stranded, so i'll have my truck towed there most likely while im out of the state for the next week.

What should i be looking at here for better reliability? arp headstuds, black onyx gaskets.... anything else?

Im a MEGA noob when it comes to this kind of thing. I know basics, but not much. If anyone could point me in the right direction, that would be great, but i really dont have a lot of time to work with at the moment. Its my daily driver as a college student, so i dont really have any other options.

[Canadian6.0]

Arp studs, Black Onyx hg's, egr delete and oil cooler rebuild. Switch to elc coolant. Best of luck bud!

[Supergumby5000]

Originally Posted by Canadian6.0

Arp studs, Black Onyx hg's, egr delete and oil cooler rebuild. Switch to elc coolant. Best of luck bud!

Thanks for the input, its much appreciated.

Any brand reccomendations?

I found a thread about a guy that redid his own headgaskets with black onyx gaskets, arp studs, sinister egr delete, as well as replaced all the bells and whilstes down there while he was at it.... total came to $1400

I'll probably follow his equipment guide (plus oil cooler) and quote some shops around here to do the work.

Another Head Gasket Job - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

[Canadian6.0]

A few that come to mind for the delete are sinister as you mentioned, bd diesel, and bulletproof. And yes, there are lots of great resources here to help you along the way!

[hopeitlasts]

Coolant filtration, and if it is an 03 or 04 motor a upgraded turbo oil tube. I lost an injector at 83k and also had to upgrade my fuel pressure regulator, you might want to make sure your fuel pressure is good(low pressure can take out injectors).

[deucer]

If you are doing head gaskets, please make sure the heads go to a reputable machine shop. That is a must to have them checked. Unless you are under warranty then you are likely hosed as they will say they look good. You want them magnaflux for cracks around the valve seats then a surface check.