Arp Head Studs installed for $525 when engine already pulled
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: s.f. bay area
Arp Head Studs installed for $525 when engine already pulled
Found out from my dealer today that they want to charge $525 to install Arp Head studs (that I provide at additional cost) and new factory gaskets on my 6.0 that is already pulled from the truck to have the bed plate leak fixed. This labor bill is certainly less then what would be charged if the engine was still installed in the truck. Apparently the top end of the engine isn't touched to fix the bed plate leak, I was hoping the top end would already be apart 
I haven't had any head gasket troubles in 4 years of towing, but was interested in the extra insurance the studs would provide over time.
What do you guys think of the $525 plus the studs themselves. This will result in a bill of around $1000 parts and labor out the door. Is this a deal by doing it now, or can the same thing be done by a non-dealer for anywhere close to this price later, when the engine is still in the truck?
I haven't had any head gasket troubles in 4 years of towing, but was interested in the extra insurance the studs would provide over time.
What do you guys think of the $525 plus the studs themselves. This will result in a bill of around $1000 parts and labor out the door. Is this a deal by doing it now, or can the same thing be done by a non-dealer for anywhere close to this price later, when the engine is still in the truck?
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 710
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From: Fallon,NV
I would also try and talk them down a little bit. Maybe even talk directly to the diesel tech and offer him a tip on the side and then you don't have to pay the extra to the dealership.
On another note, you won't find anybody who will ever take things apart and install headstuds and new gaskets for $1000 unless you have a very skilled buddy who just wants some serious beer money. With that being said, I'd go for it even if it does end up costing you nearly $1000. But I would tell the dealership that if you are paying them that amount of money which is not under the table, then you want your warranty to not be affected at all by the addition of aftermarket parts. If you're planning on keeping the truck for quite a few years, it is money well spent!
On another note, you won't find anybody who will ever take things apart and install headstuds and new gaskets for $1000 unless you have a very skilled buddy who just wants some serious beer money. With that being said, I'd go for it even if it does end up costing you nearly $1000. But I would tell the dealership that if you are paying them that amount of money which is not under the table, then you want your warranty to not be affected at all by the addition of aftermarket parts. If you're planning on keeping the truck for quite a few years, it is money well spent!
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 599
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From: Tucker, GA
I agree. Does the $1000 include the cost of new head gaskets? If not then I'd try to split the difference or talk them down some way. And all this only if you plan to keep the truck several more years.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 505
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You might mention to them that by installing the studs, they are reducing the likelihood that your truck will be back later for some very expensive warranty work. In effect, you're saving them money
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Albemarle, NC
I serously doubt they will dicker on the price. Just think of all the stuff that has to come off the top of the engine to install the studs, $525 really isnt that bad. IMO it would be a grand well spent if you plan to keep if awhile.
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< Samantha...my Co-Pilot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 768
Likes: 11
From: Fallon, Nevada
That would be money well spent in my opinion. I assume you are going to keep the truck long enough to make it worth the expense. Get a written acknowledgement of your warranty in writing. I don't think a cheaper price from an approved repair facility can be had.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: s.f. bay area
As far as warranty is concerned, this is a non-issue. The 5 years is up in April, and I don't plan on extending it. The first two years were bad (I had one of the unlucky trunks), the next three years have been no problem.
Yes, the $525 includes the new gaskets. Sounds like this is a fair price for the labor that needs to happen. I do plan on keeping the truck for many years, can't imaging being in the position to buy a replacement any time soon.
I now pull a 5th wheel around 14K Lbs, and use an SCT with max tow from Spartan. Haven't had any issues yet with HG, but I like the insurance over the long term of replacing the bolts with studs. Dealer knows I am using the tuner, and doesn't have a problem with it (although as I said, I only have 3 months of warranty left).
One more question, since I haven't had a HG problem yet, can we assume the block and heads are "flat" or must they be checked? I don't know if the $525 included checking this, or if this check is any big deal for money.
Yes, the $525 includes the new gaskets. Sounds like this is a fair price for the labor that needs to happen. I do plan on keeping the truck for many years, can't imaging being in the position to buy a replacement any time soon.
I now pull a 5th wheel around 14K Lbs, and use an SCT with max tow from Spartan. Haven't had any issues yet with HG, but I like the insurance over the long term of replacing the bolts with studs. Dealer knows I am using the tuner, and doesn't have a problem with it (although as I said, I only have 3 months of warranty left).
One more question, since I haven't had a HG problem yet, can we assume the block and heads are "flat" or must they be checked? I don't know if the $525 included checking this, or if this check is any big deal for money.
< Samantha...my Co-Pilot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 768
Likes: 11
From: Fallon, Nevada
I would bet (but don't assume anything) that you are probably safe as far as the heads and block being ok...if you haven't overheated the motor and had any puke issues. The mechanic can check them when he gets the heads off...should not be too difficult or expensive.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,648
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From: CT
I am getting HG in few weeks and I am also going to do a erg delete with a new up pipe and my tech said that head coolant lines from 6.0L Cylinder Heads and Head Studs are a good thing at only $ 150 I think in is might be a good mod with the heads off.
