Head Removal

[Longtrail]

I've had a fantasy about learning how to work on these LR4s. I figure if you own one it's best to be able to work on it. There is a 2010 non-HD that's for sale here locally that looks in pretty good condition but is said to be blowing smoke out the exhaust. The seller thinks it might be a head gasket, but admits it may be something else, more. In my fantasy, I buy myself a set of tools and take my time to tear it apart and learn everything about it as I go, building my confidence on a car that is already mostly in the bag. In reality, I don't have the time right now or the tools or a place to work on it or the knowledge or expertise, so I am going to take a pass for the time being. Still, I can see myself someday puttering around in a garage and getting the sense of satisfaction that comes with working on your own rig and having it come together.

This forum (and all the great folks here ), YouTube, patience, knowing when to walk away and take a break, decent tools that will naturally grow as time goes by, a spare vehicle, a place to work safely and comfortably, a reasonable understanding of how things work and why (YouTube again), band aids, Motrin, a patient partner, understanding kids..., time!

All tips for success, there's nothing better than driving these rigs when you feel things are as they should be and you've contributed to that well being. I think we're all travelers on this journey!

 

[scapistron]

I forgot to add one other thing. My hood struts went bad while I had them out for 3 months. Not sure why given that's the way they're shipped.

 

[ftillier]

Can you replace motor mounts easily enough while the heads are off?

 

[Rover Range]

Can you replace motor mounts easily enough while the heads are off?

Yes. WAY easier.

 

[djkaosone]

It's a good amount of work to get the heads off and put everything back together. I've removed the heads with the body on with an engine support bar. I highly recommend setting/locking in the timing tools in place before starting. THE trickiest part out of all this is getting those darn screws near the firewall.

I have to do redo my head gaskets on the V8, so maybe I'll do a writeup on all this. I also tend to chase holes while doing work on it, so it'll take a lot longer for me to do this. I might as well walnut blast the intake valves, redo timing chains, clean out injectors, etc while the heads are off too.