I know I shouldn't...but can I?

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Thanks. In my cart. I was thinking I would make that trip today provided my CFO allows me to break curfew...

 

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Well that sucks. Chief Financial Officer would not let me go to HF to get tools. So I went shopping on Amazon, hehehehe.
On another note, I'm gonna just cut the exhaust off as close to the manifolds as possible to save what I know will be wasted effort in trying to remove the rusted nuts and bolts. And depending on how everything goes back together - read: "runs" - I will push for new exhaust system. I'll be crawling all over that part of the forum next.

For now, I'm about as far as I can go till the burr bits arrive - I found an air cut-off tool in the barn in a case along with a ratchet, impact wrench, air hammer. I remember buying back in the late 90s - forgot all about it

 

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Burr bits arrived at 6:00PM head bolts were out at 8:00PM...YIPPEE!
Tomorrow we cut the exhaust and free the heads that is if isn't freezin' a$$ cold.

 

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heads are off!!!!! I am Xcited. sorry. I know this is old hat for you guys but for me---uncharted territory. I mean I did stuff when I was little that I can hardly remember now, so that doesn't count. Anyway, now I get to order new heads from King and look for a new exhaust system - stainless if it's not too expensive - would love to include some headers thanks to the link
provided by schul274, but first things first...
You can see in the pics how bad the drivers side mani was messed up. The top side was even worse. Could be a case study for this forum on what happens when coolant is allowed to run rampant.. IDK.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

heads are off!!!!! I am Xcited. sorry. I know this is old hat for you guys but for me---uncharted territory. I mean I did stuff when I was little that I can hardly remember now, so that doesn't count. Anyway, now I get to order new heads from King and look for a new exhaust system - stainless if it's not too expensive - would love to include some headers thanks to the link
provided by schul274, but first things first...
You can see in the pics how bad the drivers side mani was messed up. The top side was even worse. Could be a case study for this forum on what happens when coolant is allowed to run rampant.. IDK.View attachment 39777View attachment 39778

Talked to rpm Ron the other day about 4.0 stuff. He has LOTS of 4.0 ohv performance parts. He's very cheap, small operation that sells on volume, so prices very good.

Might be worth calling him while you're this far down. Little improvements to aftermarket heads like mild porting (4.0 needs very little), blend and sand combustion chambers, and call someone like mentioned to talk about springs, valves, etc. Free float your rockers. I have a diy spec sheet I had drawn up around here somewhere The rewards will be massive when you get it back together.

I should have done it last year, but couldn't because I needed it back ASAP.

I'm in the middle of a bare block rebuild because I didn't.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Oh. And do headers now, exhaust later. You will regret manifolds with cat back. You will not regret headers with factory exhaust.

 

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Checked out the JBA headers. Found them listed for my 94 but no way to order. I contacted them and was told that item was discontinued . But since the 4.0 OHV was used up until 98, can't I look for headers for up to a 98 model 4.0L?

Found these on the bay, but a little out of price range:

Exhaust Header-OHV JBA Racing Headers 1634SJT fits 1995 Ford Ranger 4.0L-V6 for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Exhaust Header-OHV JBA Racing Headers 1634SJT fits 1995 Ford Ranger 4.0L-V6 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Also found these but for a 98:

Ford Ranger Explorer Mazda B4000 98-09 4.0L V6 Stainless Race Manifold Headers | eBay

Ford Ranger/Explorer & Mazda B4000 1998-2009 4.0L V6Stainless Steel Header s. Mazda B4000 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 4.0L SOHC V6. Ford Ranger 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 4.0L SOHC V6.

www.ebay.com

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

98 would be an uneasy purchase for me... 94 is ttb, 98 is sla

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Despite my insistence of jba or nothin', I'd feel comfortable with these

Hedman Hedders 89400 Standard Duty Uncoated Headers Fits 90-96 Explorer Ranger | eBay

Bob Hedman, founder of Hedman Hedders, sold his highly sought after exhaust tubes to fellow racers on the salt flats of the Mojave Desert. Whether you're a Pro or sportsman racer, Hedman Hedders builds your hedder with one goal in mind, optimum performance.

www.ebay.com

Pacesetter usually requires some re-bending, and are mild steel. By time they're ceramic coated, etc you're at the price of stainless.

To me, headers are the first mod I'd ever make to a ohv cologne.

Your manifolds are one of the main causes heads crack. You're buying insurance.

 

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Geez...I remember Hedman headers from the way back machine - Color Me Gone and Little Red Wagon days. What's that chic's name who used to race out of Mt. Clemens here in MI where I grew up...Muldooney or something like that. I'm checking those out and the price is reasonable. Once again, thank you.

 

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Special thanks to PetroleumJunkie412 for taking the time to babysit me through this.
Ordered headers today. and practiced valve lapping on the old heads - never heard of it before, but you can sure see the difference:

Before... After

In the Before image you can see lots of pitting around the valve seat. Totally gone after lapping.

Forgot to ask this question: I bought the Lap stick and started using it - like rubbing two sticks together to make a fire. So I used my drill chucked to the valve stem. I taped off the end so as not to damage it. Is this okay to do or will it burn something?
Thanks.

 

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Good day today...Heads arrived, Headers arrived....gaskets and head bolts arrived.

Now what do I do (That is when I'm done rubbing it all over me)

I'm repeating this query from my previous post cuz I don't want to get lost:
Forgot to ask this question: I bought the Lap stick and started using it - like rubbing two sticks together to make a fire. So I used my drill chucked to the valve stem. I taped off the end so as not to damage it. Is this okay to do or will it burn something?
Thanks.

 

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Taking stock of the gaskets that came with the cylinder heads and I have a couple of questions. It's a Fel-Pro gasket set.
When I removed the lower intake manifold, there was this gasket?

In the set that was provided, there were these:

But there was nothing like the image above. Can someone help enlighten me so I ain't so dumb?
Thanks in advance.
Nevermind. It's the lower intake manifold gasket and for whatever reason it is not included in the "Complete" gasket set I received. Ordered it separately from Rock Auto.

 

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Having fun answering my own questions...
I found out that the older one-piece gasket apparently was problematic and was replaced by the two metal gaskets. Not sure if that's true or not or what the actual problem was with the one-piece gasket, but that's what I was told.

I kinda like the one-piecer. Seems like it offers more protection for the lower case by covering the slots in the valley.. The metal ones don't seem to fit well.
I would love some input on this if you/anyone has the time.

Thanks,

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Well thats just odd.

@adsm08? And maybe, just maybe, @AllanD?