head bolts

[tipitim]

i'm rebuilding a 2.8 for my 85 ranger and can't find new headbolts. the ford dealer said they were discontinued five or six years ago and he couldn't find enough to get a full set together. what have other people done? used the old ones again or does somebody know where new replacements can be found?
thanks.

 

[enginepaul]

Use the old ones. Head bolts are good for years and several uses if they are not abused.
There may be some confusion because newer engines have bolts that are torqued to stretch a certain amount and are only good for one time use.
Generally, head bolts are a special length, so substitutes can be difficult to get. If you are missing some or have rusted ones post a request here - I may even have some laying around.

 

[TenSeven]

Sorry, during a forum Search I dug up this old thread.

So, I can re-use my 85 Ranger 2.8 head bolts?

 

[adsm08]

The 2.8 head bolts can be reused from what I understand. While they are the same part as the non-reuseable 2.9 and 4.0 bolts the 2.8's sequence does not include the final few sequences where the bolts are stretched past their yield.

 

[TenSeven]

The 2.8 head bolts can be reused from what I understand. While they are the same part as the non-reuseable 2.9 and 4.0 bolts the 2.8's sequence does not include the final few sequences where the bolts are stretched past their yield.

Thanks, appreciate it.

 

[AndyB.]

The ford part number is different between the 2.8 and the 2.9/4.0--different design.

The 2.8 head bolts are not torque to yield and may be reused.

 

[TenSeven]

The ford part number is different between the 2.8 and the 2.9/4.0--different design.

The 2.8 head bolts are not torque to yield and may be reused.

Thanks Andy.