I have looked through many posts, but must have missed something. I read that Cab removal is Necessary and that it is not. I Have a 2002 Regular Cab XL 4x4 F250 with the Gas 5.4L V8, I am 95% certain the head gasket has an external Coolant leak (I can see the coolant bubbling out passenger side where head mates to block).
I got the truck for free. Has 300k miles on it, but amazingly runs well, shifts smooth, everything works, but has the coolant leak and overheats every once in awhile.... I have above average mechanically ability, but not so much on this truck.... Basically if its "to much" effort to fix i am going to part it out... Any advise?

 

Not absolutely necessary on that engine. It is on the diesel engine. It would be a lot of effort.

 

Not until 2008 was the cab required to be lifted for service work

 

The cab isn't required to come off any year Super Duty, even the 2015s. There is a cab-on procedure to do everything up to and including an engine replacement. From 2008-present the shop manual states that it is "preferred" to remove the cab because it's quicker.

If you have access to a two-post lift you should remove the cab, it will make the job much easier. But it's completely possible with the cab on.

 

Did not have to that on my 01 V-10.

 

How much coolant is leaking out and is any leaking into the oil? What kind of shape is the truck in and what are your driving needs? If it's just an old beater you use around town and it isn't contaminating your oil I would just carry a jug of coolant and top it off as needed.