Update
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Elder User
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Update
Well I went down today to put my heads on and while trying I cracked my new gasket cause it kept sliding off the block!! 
so I have to order a new set, that's another week! 
and I was thinking while I'm at it I will order some head studs to make putting the heads on easier so I won't have to buy anymore gaskets.
anyone know of a place I can get head studs for a 7.3?
so I have to order a new set, that's another week! and I was thinking while I'm at it I will order some head studs to make putting the heads on easier so I won't have to buy anymore gaskets.anyone know of a place I can get head studs for a 7.3?
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Southern Oregon USA
Isn't there dowel pins or inserts to hold the gasket in place on the block surface? I'm thinking there should be.
The problem with head studs is that I don't think you can install the heads with studs in the block if it is in the truck. I've never used them on a 7.3, but there isn't much room when installing the heads without studs.
Jason
The problem with head studs is that I don't think you can install the heads with studs in the block if it is in the truck. I've never used them on a 7.3, but there isn't much room when installing the heads without studs.
Jason
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,900
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From: Campbell River, B.C.
You should be able to order just a single head gasket if you ask. Head studs can be installed with the engine in the truck but they have to be positioned in the head as the head drops down on the block. Its not ideal but can work. Other then that, you can jack up the cab slightly for some extra clearance.
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I'm trying to see if I can buy just 4 head studs sense 7.3's don't really need them with how thick the head bolts are, just want the two on each side to hold the gasket in place and have something to guide the heads, and is there anything I need to be spraying on the gasket or do I just set it on there and torque it down?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Western Mass
You can make up a couple guide bolts really easily. Take a few of the old bolts (if you're replacing them) and cut the head off. Then cut a slot in the bolt that fits a screwdriver. Screw them in finger tight and they will hold the gasket and head in place until you get the bolts in. Then just take a screwdriver and pull out the guides.
If you don't have any extra head bolts, take one down to the hardware store and pick up a could bolts with the same thread and length. As they aren't holding any weight, you can use anything you find, even regular grade 2.
If you don't have any extra head bolts, take one down to the hardware store and pick up a could bolts with the same thread and length. As they aren't holding any weight, you can use anything you find, even regular grade 2.
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Tecgod I like that idea, lucky for me I just went to a junk yard 3 weeks ago and ripped apart a 7.3 and took a few extra head bolts 
And I would have polled the whole engine to do this work but it is being stored at a barn 15 miles away cause we have no room for it at our garage, so not having all the tools there I need to do the work is driving me mad
And I would have polled the whole engine to do this work but it is being stored at a barn 15 miles away cause we have no room for it at our garage, so not having all the tools there I need to do the work is driving me mad
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Elder User
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But if your looking for head bolts for a 7.3 I don't really know where you can get any, I called around to junk yard after junk yard for a week till I found one that had a 7.3 laying around that I could take head bolts from.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Campbell River, B.C.
I don't think the 6.9 bolts are stretch bolts either but in some cases they can get pitted from rust on the outer perimiter of the heads and could be weak when retorqued in that age and condition.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: woodville, tx
Awww wah wah star, or should we start calling you Walter? just move back to South East Texas and dont worry about the rust... mine is 23 and the only rust on it is from where the p/o dinged the back of the cab.
