Harvesting Rocker Arms at the junkyard + New heads Vs. Rebuilt

[DPDISXR4Ti]

I'm planning to replace my 86TM heads with the later, thicker ones, and I've been told I should also swap in the later rocker assemblies. My current plan is to get wholly new heads from J&C Enterprises, which don't come with the rockers, so I figured I'd pick them up from a junkyard donor next time I'm visiting one.

I haven't really worked on a Cologne V6 before, so just wondering if any particular tools are needed. Also wondering what bits are important to keep track of so they go back in the same place.

Alternatively, if I find what looks like a good set of 89TM heads, I suppose I could grab them with the rockers and have the heads rebuilt. But with complete new heads being $500/pr, I don't know that it makes sense to bother with going the rebuild route.

Appreciate any input.

 

[rubydist]

The aftermarket heads are heavier castings and therefore much less likely to crack between the valves like the stock ones do, so I would not rebuild.

 

[19Walt93]

The rocker arms are wear items and I don't think it's worth buying used ones. Something that old is going to have a lot of miles on it.

 

[Dirtman]

Listen to Walt, don't buy junkyard rockers. I'm a pretty frugal person, I bought my toothbrush at a pawn shop, but some things just aren't worth buying used...

 

[Nez'sRanger]

There's always this!

Full-size image

Only 950ish bucks...
Believe it or not, those are actually on my to do list for my spare engine...

 

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Thanks for the feedback. Anyone know anything about these guys? http://www.rockerarms.com/

 

[gaz]

DPDIS,

A set of new rocker arms are the way to go, they are very affordable for the 2.9L, if they don't come with your new heads.

Use new push rods and consider new lifters. The rods and lifters are unbelievably affordable, even the best name brands, for the 2.9L.

If you wind up reusing your original rocker arms shafts, take them apart and thoroughly clean them 1st. You can improve the oiling potential of your valve train by drilling the oil holes to the next larger drill bit size. (rockers and arm).

Regardless of your choice of components, take the time to properly set the preload on your valve train when assembling. It's a little tricky and it's only correct, when it's quiet. The lifter preload is the tricky part.

 

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Thanks for the detailed info. It was suggested that I get refurbished rockers from these guys:
https://www.windycityeng.com/
But reading between the lines, it seems to me they just clean up used parts and select the ones that spec out okay.

Are the 4.0 rockers the same as the ones used on the 2.9?

 

[gaz]

DPDIS,

4.0L rockers are not the same.

The replacement 2.9L rockers available from O'Reilley's, WestBay/Napa or even Rockauto.com are all good candidates and very affordable. Nothing fancy required just new; they will hold up and since they are adjustable, you will get your money's worth, the properly adjusted and maintained valve train will insure the highest possible performance.

I did not look at your WindyCity link but the last time I was checking the price on a set, they were name brands, less than $3.00 ea ..)

*Correction, I just checked the price on Rockauto.com, they have gone up but that happens; currently @ $10 ea, not sure why they 3x in cost in a year???

 

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Thanks for the reply and data-point on the 4L rockers being different.

In the mean time I got a reply from Windy City and they charge $40 per assembly. They don't have any write up on their web-page and don't currently have 2.9 rockers listed on eBay, but as a reference, here's what they list at $45 for the 4L assembly...

4.0L FORD ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY | eBay

ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY. THE ROCKER PAD THAT TOUCHES THE VALVE. 4.0L FORD OHV ENGINES 1990-2000. AND POLISHED. CHECKED FOR STRAIGHTNESS. THE SHAFTS HAVE BEEN.

www.ebay.com

THIS IS FOR 1 ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY
FITS ALL 4.0L FORD OHV ENGINES 1990-2000
THEY HAVE BEEN DISASSEMBLED, CLEANED AND CHECKED FOR WEAR
THE SHAFTS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR STRAIGHTNESS AND POLISHED
THE ROCKER PAD THAT TOUCHES THE VALVE HAS BEEN REGROUND