98 4.0 overheated, headgasket time

[TAMUmpower]

So my beater 1998 B4000 looks like the thermostat got stuck shut and overheated a bit on a 15min drive. The steam pressure blew the heater control valve. No idea how to describe how bad or not bad it overheated but the previous head gasket that already drank a little coolant now makes hissing sounds from the compression so it's really blown. No water in the oil though. Vibrates a lot from I'm assuming a large amount of water enting the combustion chamber now. The truck has 250k miles and I was already going to sell it this year.

I've replaced head gaskets on other vehicles before. My real question is are there any specific tools I need to re time the cam or am I good to dig in with my normal tools. The little I've read is the heads are known to crack. Well I guess I'll look first. If thats the case then probably will just sell it as is. Thanks

 

[Dirtman]

Is it the OHV or OHC engine? If its an OHC just sell it now... you need to pull the engine.

If its an OHV, no special tools required. And no need to even mess with the cam, or chain to service the heads. Stupid simple design.

 

[TAMUmpower]

It's OHV. Never had to do a V6. Took the heads off a 4 cylinder before and a inline 6 bmw and those were super simple and great access. This 4.0 has a mountain of BS piled on top of the engine.

 

[Dirtman]

Yea, lots nonsense to remove but all fairly simple work. And no cams to worry about on the OHV engine. Very straightforward and only basic hand tools needed.

 

[rumblecloud]

Just pulled the heads off my 4.0 OHV. As Dirtman said "Fairly simple work."
If I can do it, you surely can.