ARP Head Studs without removing heads?

[drysideshooter]

I am getting ready to have an EGR delete done along with a new oil cooler, new stand pipes, SCT fitting, dummy plugs, etc. I am thinking that while they have it I should get ARP head studs installed as well.

My 05 had the factory head studs replaced about 20k miles ago (at about 82,000 miles at the time) under the powertrain warranty.

Two highly reccomended, reputable shops have told me that if my head gaskets are still good (not sure how they test for that) that they can install ARP head studs one at a time without removing the heads.

Has anyone had any experience with and installation like that? I am somewhat unsure of what type of warranty I should expect or ask for, or if there is a way they can test once they are installed to make sure I won't get a leak quickly.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[DieselV8]

I haven't had it done myself but I have heard of it being done.

[drysideshooter]

Have you known anyone that has had it done on their truck?

I could see how it could work, I could also see how it could not work though.

[SharkDiver]

I have a friend that says they do this all the time at there shop.. If you are not having any problems now with your heads or gaskets i dont see why changing just one at a time will not work.

[PGreenSVT]

There are a bunch of threads here by people who have done this.

[drysideshooter]

I searched and searched and didn't find a lot of threads, and nothing recent. This is the only one I found:

Installed ARP Studs Without Pulling Motor, Lifting Cab or Removing HVAC Box - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

I will try searching using some different terms.

[jetjock15]

I did it, no issue. Truck only had 28k when done, no problems. torqued stud to 170 after removal, once all in, did torque to 200 in the order in the instructions, then 230. so far so good.

[drysideshooter]

Originally Posted by jetjock15

I did it, no issue. Truck only had 28k when done, no problems. torqued stud to 170 after removal, once all in, did torque to 200 in the order in the instructions, then 230. so far so good.

Thanks for the information jetjock, I really appreciate it. My gaskets and stock head bolts were replaced under the powertrain warranty about 20k miles ago, so I am thinking it might be a good candidate. I talked with a shop who has done a lot of them and he said not one has come back with blown head gaskets yet.