ARP Studs, who did them? You? Dealer?

[cRaZy8]

I just purchased a bada$$ 05 F250 6.0L. I posted some other thoughts in the intro section already.

I definitely want to do the ARP head stud conversion. My motor runs great (61k miles), and has a 48k mile/4 yr warranty. But I like the piece of mind from having a solid foundation.

I am a Yamaha Outboard tech for 8 yrs, and have been wrenching for 12 yrs. Built a couple Stangs (sub 11 sec cars), two stunt bikes, couple Banshees.

Is this something I can do in my driveway? Or should I bring it to a shop? What does someone charge for this job? I see that most pull the cab to access the motor easier.

My warranty is aftermarket (ASE certified shops can do work, or Ford dealer). Good friend of mine owns a shop- should I have him do the work and submit a claim for the labor?

I have done full engine rebuilds on plenty of 2 strokes, and a half a dozen DOHC V6 four stroke outboards. But none of them are close to a powerstroke. I dont want to start something in my driveway that cant be finished.

Ideas? Opinions?

[Tony V]

If you have all the tools. I think you could probably do it. I would probably do it in a shop though.

[RescueF250]

It can be done on your own, its a couple days worth of work and time. Very time consuming, if you do it in cab, take a look you have to remove everything in the surrending areas of the motor to be able to pull and install the studs. Make sure if you have a shop do it, make sure they know how to pull cabs on a 6.0 or work on a diesel, also get the heads check as well, if they are warped you need to get them decked.

[powerstrokepribble]

its a good idea to get the heads decked anyway regardless, ford specs are not the greatest to begin with

[Big Angry Hillbilly]

Don't deck 6.0 cylinder heads.

There is .018" between the deck surface and the face of the exhaust valve, so you don't have a lot of room to play with.

You can't get the rear bolts/studs in the cylinder head/block on the driver's side without pulling the head/cab/motor.

They're kind of a nightmare to do with the cab on.

If you can claim it as a head gasket repair, go for it!

Not a job I'd personally wanna do in the laneway at home.

[cRaZy8]

Im not exactly sure if my friends station has the room to pull the cab. He has a really good mechanic, he is pretty good himself. Just not sure if they have the room to do the job. Id really rather not have some Joe Schmoe or half *** dealer do the job.

I know I have the skills to do it, not sure if I have the time. Nor do I have a heated garage to do it in!

Hillbilly- if my friend is confident with the work, and I can get part of it covered under warranty, can it be done with the motor in, and the heads pulled? I would at least want them checked. They shouldnt be cut down at all? Not even a 'clean up' machining?

I really want the truck to last. I dont plan on more than exhaust and a tuner (and EGR delete).

[mdub707]

Originally Posted by Big Angry Hillbilly

Don't deck 6.0 cylinder heads.

There is .018" between the deck surface and the face of the exhaust valve, so you don't have a lot of room to play with.

You can't get the rear bolts/studs in the cylinder head/block on the driver's side without pulling the head/cab/motor.

They're kind of a nightmare to do with the cab on.

If you can claim it as a head gasket repair, go for it!

Not a job I'd personally wanna do in the laneway at home.

There has been more than one person on here to put studs in without removing the head, cab or motor. They did this after headgaskets were leaking and claimed it fixed the leak...

Not saying I would recommend this, but it has been done.

I agree, if you can get it done under your extended warranty thing, I say go for it. Seems like all those warranty companies are out to do is rip people off anyways.

[arcticatman]

how do you get it done under warrentry factory???

[cRaZy8]

Why would you replace the stock bolts with studs, and not change the gaskets??? Im not doubting you, just wondering the reason?

I would never even think of not replacing the head gaskets. Even if they werent leaking.

I think I will wait till my friend has time and room in his shop, and get this done under warranty (some what covered I hope).

I also ordered an EGR delete kit from Elite Diesel, should I wait and do both at the same time? Any tips appreciated!

[cRaZy8]

Originally Posted by arcticatman

how do you get it done under warrentry factory???

The warranty I have is not from Ford. I paid extra ($1500/4yr/48k) for it. All that needs to be done to have it covered is to have an estimate get pre-approved by the warranty company, from an ASE certified shop.

I will most likely have a good chunk of the labor covered (possibly all of it), and the gaskets. I will pay out of pocket for the studs.