Hi all, new to the forums.

Ive got a 2000 F250 5.4L here that has a cracked exhaust manifold and some broken studs, some flush with the head. It sounds terrible from the exhaust leaks, and I cant stand it anymore.

The cylinder heads are going to have to come off, and I have a few questions before I dive in to this thing.

Is it better/easier/necessary to pull the engine out of the truck then service the heads? Or can the heads be pulled with the rest of the engine still in the vehicle? Reading the service manuals it says to pull the engine first.

Anything to look out for when removing the heads and timing chains? Any special tools I will need? Machine shop will be taking care of the broken studs, and checking the heads.

Thanks for the help!