Thread Locker and Sealants Suggestions

[backporch]

Wonder if anyone can help me with some general guidelines. I am going to start reassembling my 4.0's top end as part of a swap. I need to put in new freeze plugs, exhaust studs and will be swapping upper intake manifold.

Any guidelines for what kinds of sealants I should use.
I have some red loctite rtv that I was going to coat the brass freeze plugs with. I am looking for suggestions for the exhaust stud threads to ward off corrosion.... both into head and under the nuts.
I have replacement valve cover gaskets... I think rubber coated steel. probably no sealant needed there?
Antiseize on exhaust to header bolts?
Other bolts, like valve cover and engine mount, etc threads I was going to go with a mild loctitie thread locker.

any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[adsm08]

Don't put thread locker on valve cover bolts. Not even Ford does that, and Ford hates any and all who choose to question their perfection by attempting repairs.

Copper anti-seize on all exhaust fasteners.

I would use grey or black on the freeze plugs, but I have never actually needed an sealer on ones that were installed correctly.

 

[backporch]

Thanks !!

So copper anti-seize on both the exhaust studs to head and nuts.

 

[RonD]

Yes, +1 on the anti-seize on all exhaust bolts/studs

Only lock tight I ever used was on the lower intake bolts, they tend to loosen up on the 4.0l OHV
Other than that just tighten other engine bolts/nuts to spec

I also use RTV around the water passages on lower intake gasket, both sides, and at the 4 lower corners
Lower gasket set should come with RTV for block to intake mating surfaces.

I used rubber Core Plugs on the sides of block, not really needed but not going to rust either, brass is a good idea but when you put circulating water/coolant and dissimilar Metals together you can get Galvanic corrosion.
The 4.0l has this issue where aluminum intake bolts to the heads at the water passages, galvanic corrosion can eat away at the aluminum if you don't change coolant every 2 years, keep PH high.

Rubber core plugs also allows me to drain the block, although I have never done that, lol, just change coolant every 2 years

 

[backporch]

Super. Appreciate all the advice!