I ordered a gauge to test the head gasket but i am pretty sure it needs to be done.

Every post and youtube video i see they use a lift to remove the cab. Is there any way to remove the cab with out a lift (i dont have one)

Thanks
Mike

 

Here you go!

 

Looks good but how'd you get it up there?

 

Well first you start out with playing banjo music....

 

So instead of spending a few hours trying to find a way to hang about 1000# of steel above your head so you can play in the crush zone until your untimely demise...

Build or buy the head lifting bracket, and do it with the cab on.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post12575219
Seriously, you dimple the cab in one place, and remove half the HVAC box cover, and you can do heads with the cab on. If you want to get crazy about not having to kneel anywhere, remove the fan and cooler stack and stand in front of the engine.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...b-on-hint.html

I firmly believe in cribbing almost anything with wood, because to work on tractors you pretty much have to use it at some point. But God almighty it's a job that can be done without any of the hassle of lifting the cab, so why buy trouble instead of doing on the ground like so many other people. Cheezit is a former tech who IIRC didn't even have a lift in his bay, he made a living doing these with the cabs on.

 

Having seen things from around the world, especially Southeast Asia, that's not too bad. It's based on a concrete slab, rather then soil, and he's got a windbreak in one direction. I'd rather see wider cribbing.

Also, growing up on a farm you learn to get creative. On a farm once you got her up off the frame with jacks so some 6x6 or 4x6 could go under, then two tractors with loaders would get're up to clear the motor .

I've seen a one year old Corvette in a dealership on a two post lift that had one pair of arms slide away that wasn't pretty, so I wouldn't be too quick to throw stones about the backyard. But if I had to do heads without a lift I'd just be doing it under the hood.

 

Had 2 flats and no racks. Never saw a need. Flat backing all of it.... I have a comfy creeper.
It took that guy longer to prop that cab up then it would for me to pull the engine.
Theres no way I would be anywhere near that lifted cab either.
Heads with cab on is a 12 to 14 hour job. I just pulled the whole evap case and didnt split it.
Heads with cab off and a lift about 1 to 2 hours faster. After you have pulled a few cabs.
Engine r/r and heads not much more then in cab but imo the easiest way.

 

I had my heads done without removing the cab, if your near central Florida I can get you the guys number that did the bullet proofing..

 

Why does everybody seem to think you need to pull a cab to do head gaskets?

 

I guess beecause it became so popular and makes it seem easier to do.
Myself I have pulled maybe a 100 6.0 and never had a lift to use.
They were designed to be pulled out the Front origionally.

 

The company I work for has a large fleet of F450-550 bucket trucks. They are all typically worked on by the dealership unless it is a minor maintenance item.

The service writer on the commercial side has told us the only way to pull heads or the engine is to lift the cab.... If I haven't done any wrenching myself I would believe what the "professional" tell me. Unknowingly by the vehicle owner this is just likely the preferred method of the mechanic at that dealership.

Having pulled a 6.0 myself, I would personally spend the extra hour pulling the front end out (grill, bumper etc) to pull the heads out. Being able to stand on that cross member is really nice compared to bruising your guts and colon laying across the motor...

 

Pulling the cab was never a Ford procedure on the 7.3 or 6.0. No instructions in the Ford shop manuals at all on the first model 6.0 or the 7.3 to pull the cab.

 

I didn't say it was. CMK asked why people think cabs have to be pulled. I offered up a reason.

So if I understand you correctly, you are saying there has never been a 99-2007 F250+ cab lifted at any Ford dealership?

 

I should find the pic of mine with the cab in the air

 

All I am saying is it was never a Ford recomended procedure.
What people may have done with them is a different story.
I have on ocassion pulled complete bodies off of equipment with a cherry picker but that doesn't mean I was supposed to.