Yes, the studs are better because they don't stretch like the bolts do.

 

I agree with the other guys, since the heads will be off I would stud it. I do however think that studding isn't necessary unless you are wanting to run a big tune on it or you have a head gasket fail or are going to have the heads off for what ever reason.

 

Please with all this work being done, DONT skimp now
ARP Stud's are the best choice regardless

 

The ARP studs wont Stretch

OEM Bolts are Stretching Long ways with all the cylinder pressures

 

Some stuff from the ARP site
Here is the FAQ
The Official ARP Web Site | Manufacturing

And here is one on Metallurgy
The Official ARP Web Site | Technical Information

Read and enjoy

Sean

 

Too tired and frustrated to reply to everyone. I understand the importance of the studs at this point. Hopefully they will get done.

Here's where we stand today. Absolutely nowhere. The service writer that I have been dealing with decided to take the rest of the week off and will be back on Monday. I talked to the service manager and he said they have no estimate for repairs and my work order has been transferred to another service writer. Neither one of them could give me a good status other than the testing was in process and possibly by noon tomorrow we'd have an estimate. I was supposed to have an estimate by Noon TODAY. They don't seem to understand what stranded is and need to get home by 10-2. I fully understand that I was a walk in, unscheduled service, not a current customer coming for help and that they would have to fit me in. They should have told me to come back or go elsewhere if their schedule couldn't fit me in. I would have tried another Ford dealer.

So, I see what's going to happen here. If I keep bugging them they are going to come back with an estimate that's double what I've been told, if that doesn't happen then the job is going to be a rushed slapped together mess. We'll be half way home and it will blow again. I have a feeling that I'm going to have to tow the trailer home with a U Haul truck and fly back in a month to get the truck. However, who's going to pay for the U Haul and the airfare - ME.

I'm beyond being angry anymore. Just want the truck fixed and the outta Texas until this time next year. It's not the fault of Texas, I love this part of Texas, thinking about about retiring here (although the wife wants to go to AZ) but this has been a rough trip and home would really be nice right now.

Thanks for listening, I'll keep everyone updated as I can.

Fred

 

Its OK Man Go ahead and VENT LOL

you are in a Nasty situation no doubt Stranded with a Trailer and broke truck that far from home Just SUCKS

 

Oh man, I hate to hear this. My gutt is feeling a little uneasy for ya, bro. This is the kind of nightmare that nobody wants on their vaca. Take it a day at a time and make the best of the time there. If it makes you feel any better, these "adventures" CAN be fun times that you and your other half reflect back on.

DW and I broke down in Victorville Ca last year, with our fifth wheel in tow, and thought the world was coming to an end. Though it was only an alternator (on a weekend) and dwarfed by your apparent situation, we were still stranded... (BTW, I have gauges now)

When it was all done, it actually turned out a fun excursion, in retrospect. Once the truck was fixed we were just fine and laughing about it all and still talk about it. Fortunately my cracked head happened after we got home, lol. That's another story... Now my truck has been repaired, with a few extras to "bulletproof" it and is better than new. I gotta say, it's a much better feeling once the extra pre-emptive repairs are done.
Good luck and happy trails

 

I know that it's late in the game but have you thought of giving Bullet Proof Diesel a call
and see if they can help? They are about 450 miles away and you never know they
could be the needed answer.

Bullet Proof Diesel
4245 E. Palm Street | Mesa, Arizona 85215 | Tel 480.247.2331 | Fax 480.268.7564 | Toll Free 888.967.6653 | email: Sales@BulletProofDiesel.com

How ever it works out my best wishes to you.

Sean

 

Best wishes to you! anyone have the number for the guy that repairs the heads?

 

Hey Fred its Fred, i am in the same quandary, i was quoted 4k yesterday for gaskets and studs. i love my truck and refuse to pay the juice for a new truck, so it going to be fixed. i am with you when it comes to what to believe and what not to. i had the opposite happing. i was loosing coolant, and up to 21psi in the degass tank.

 

X2. I seem to recall that they claim to be able to repair cracked heads without removal. I figure it would be worth the call to find out.

 

It's great to know that however, if the gaskets are going or gone, the heads have to come off anyway. I'd like to know if these heads are Internationals design or Fords. Now I'm thinking, if I need new heads, could I put a set of VT365 heads on it instead of a Ford part? Probably take too long to get those.

Just thinking out loud.

 

The engine was designed and built by International, and as far as I know, they are the same as what they put on the 365.

 

I just had both of my heads replaced... BTW, OUCH!
Anyway, when the heads came in the inner packaging was labeled "New Part" and "International". They were purchased through Ford and the outer box stated "Remanufactured Part" and "Ford".
Obviously, International provided the parts for Ford. I would contact International and ask them if they have new heads for the 6.0 Ford PSD / International VT365 and see what they say.