I’ve read up on this subject, and it seems that the head doesn’t have to be pulled to get to the lifters.

Now, with that being said, i’ve read some posts about people struggling to get the lifters back in. I know that some the pictures I saw were gummed up engines, but mine turns out to be very clean. No buildup, and it’s a nice yellow color on the inside as well.

So, with that being said, is there any thing I should be prepared for? I plan on pulling them out with a magnet and installing them the same way. Or should I get a lifter remover/ installer?

 

Get a new cam also.

 

Get the removal tool. You're not going to get them out with a magnet. I don't actually recall whether you could pull them without pulling the head when I worked on my 95 YJ 2.5l.

Are you replacing the lifters, or just pulling and cleaning them? Beware replacing just the lifters can wipe out an old cam. Also make sure the bore is nice and clean when you reinstall.

 

Well, I actually managed to get all of them in and out with just a magnet. It took some patience and a VERY steady hand, but I got them all replaced.

I also took a good look at the cam, and it looks a little worn, but not scored or flat or anything alarming. I am a little worried about these new lifters destroying the old cam, but I didn’t see any actual damage on the surface of the cam that would cause any issues.

 

I would be also.

 

Something to keep in mind is that there has been a real problem with bad flat-tappet lifters and cams lately. It seems to be across the board, no matter what brand or engine.