Socket is a 1/2". You are going to want to get a deep socket because the very back driver side has a post on it for a ground strap. Take a look under the hood and you will see what im talking about. The only thing is it cant be TOO deep because you wont be able to get it out past the firewall/cowl pinch weld without banging / cutting. I had to loosen the bolt... disconnect the wrench from the socket... pull the wrench out... then take the socket off and wiggle it out of there. It's kind of a pain but not too bad.

Let me know if yo need any other assistance.

 

I've been scoping out bolts, wiring, etc under the hood for the past few days trying to take 'mental notes' on everything - I know exactly which bolt you speak of - I think that is also the one that needs to be put into the new head w/some tape or something since once the head is on it won't be able to be dropped in.


I'll probably be nervous/anxious for the next week waiting for the head, but can't wait until I'm done so I can start driving this thing.

 

So I double checked my torque wrench, & it only goes to 80ft/lbs. So should I get a 1/2" drive or will a
3/8" drive suffice when I pick one up that goes to at least 150ft/lbs? Since I need to grab 12 pt sockets, I figured I'd get some opinions.

I also picked up the fuel disconnects & a creeper (didn't have one).

 

Also - should I have any special chemicals, lubricants, etc on hand? Rtv seal, white grease, etc?

 

If you have access to an engine hoist, it makes replacing the head alot easier. I bolted the manifolds onto the head, then used the hoist to set the head on the block. Nice and easy, and didn't have to fight the manifolds to get them on.....RR

 

No engine hoist (I have to butter the sides of the jeep to squeeze it into the garage.) I will have an extra set of hands to assist, though. Hopefully that will be enough.

 

.double post. Sorry.

 

Get the 1/2". You'll thank yourself.

 

You are going to want a 1/2 inch TQ wrench. The last (third round) TQ number is 110ft lbs Other than the one bolt that goes through the water jacket (front driver side) and that's 100 ft lbs. Keep in mind that this bolt also needs thread sealer. 110 ft lbs doesnt seem like a whole lot until you are in there torquing... but it's quite a bit of TQ.

I snapped a bolt off in the block when I was torquing mine down because for some reason my TQ wrench didn't want to "pop". Keep a good mental note of the amount of torque the bolts take as to not make the same mistake as I did. If needed back off, check the wrench, re-adjust and take it slow. You don't want to have to remove ALL the bolts and take the head off again to get a broken bolt out.

As said above it may be a good idea to attach your manifolds to the head then set the head in with them already attached. That is probably the easiest way of doing this. I wish I had thought of that. haha.

Any other questions just let the forum know I'm sure we can get you through the process without hindrance.

 

Hopefully you have a Harbor Freight nearby...just looked, they have a 150 lb*ft torque wrench for $22...and have a coupon offer for 30% off your order this weekend.


Their stuff ain't Snap-On, but it will last for a quick weekend project!!

 

One suggestion on the HF torque wrenches, test it on something like a lug nut to make sure it does release/click before committing to more delicate applications. Don't ask me how I know...

 

This^^^

I snapped off a bolt in the block doing my head swap. It was a snap on torque wrench so I figured it would work...

I WAS WRONG. Do NOT make the same mistake I did.

 

Appreciate all the advice. I do have a HF nearby, so I'll be picking the tq w. And I'll now make sure I test it! Thanks everyone.

 

Well, the new head should be here tomorrow. I got all excited when I saw my first parts box sitting on the stoop today.

Opened it up just to see that instead of the new head bolts I ordered, I was shipped R & P Bellows instead...so, I have to chase down a refund for the head bolts I didn't receive, and hope the Pepboys website wasn't wrong when it said I could pick up a set tomorrow at the local store a few miles from here...

 

Ask questions. I just did mine last year about this time and it's got almost 15k on it with no problems. I even wheeled it at Winterfest and didn't have any overheat issues with it. Keep us posted, take lots of pictures so you know what goes where.

Jeff