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  #1  
Old 12-28-2013, 09:03 AM
librum librum is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 154
Default reuseable head bolt question

1989 2.9, auto, 4x4. I have to do a head gasket replacement but am frustrated at one issue. I hate the no-reuse torx tension type bolts. I would much prefer true hex head, non-elongating. Plus I know I will be having to do this again when the parts come in for the solid lifter conversion. And then again when the modified heads come in. Buying two/three sets of bolts also goes against my grain. $30+$30+$30+...

I found them for the 2.3l, the 350w (back in the day), and even for my two cherokee 4.0s, but not finding anything for this 2.9.

I did find ARP, but got sticker shocked. $220+ a set!

Anyone have a referal for me?
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1989, 2.9, 4x, Auto, manual locking hubs.
MODS: Throttle cable, kickdown cable, 60/40 to rotating bucket seats, remote brake, 'slapstick' transfer case, fine grain cruise, 'deep eyes' headlights, all LED lighting.
1992, 2.3, 2x, auto. Running parts body. No mods yet.
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  #2  
Old 12-28-2013, 09:19 AM
STL STL is offline
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Default Re: reuseable head bolt question

Why not just wait till all parts are in and do it once?
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  #3  
Old 12-28-2013, 07:04 PM
librum librum is offline
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Posts: 154
Default Re: reuseable head bolt question

STL,
1) Legality. I must drive a disabled controls vehicle, and I only have that Ranger so equipped. I need a vehicle. Right now, I do not, as the head gaskets must be done, now have coolant in the oil.
2) Costs. In this state, with disabled control equipped vehicles, one must buy state approved parts, installed by state approved installers, and pass an special annual inspection, etc, unless the vehicle is grandfathered, as this Ranger is. To modify any of the other three, to include the 92 Ranger, well, costs would start at $3000.
3) Required adjustments. There will be required adjustments with the modified heads, which WILL require more than one tear-down. And once I have that dialed in, then the lifters conversion may also take more than one adjustment.

This 89 is a tank. I want to keep it tip-top, not only for the disabled controls, but it started life as a modified service vehicle, a fire support truck. It was designed to run the logging roads, and take the water where the fire was. Extra gusseting, extra stiffening, two extra cross members, etc, as it has the half tank bed. Would you toss such? I doubt it, no offense intended.

Back to the original question, anybody have a source for non-torx non-elongating bolts?
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1989, 2.9, 4x, Auto, manual locking hubs.
MODS: Throttle cable, kickdown cable, 60/40 to rotating bucket seats, remote brake, 'slapstick' transfer case, fine grain cruise, 'deep eyes' headlights, all LED lighting.
1992, 2.3, 2x, auto. Running parts body. No mods yet.
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  #4  
Old 12-29-2013, 05:22 AM
STL STL is offline
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Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 23,399
Default Re: reuseable head bolt question

Looks like you are gonna have to buy head bolts multiple times.

All I found online were torque to yield bolts.
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  #5  
Old 01-02-2014, 02:36 PM
librum librum is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 154
Default Re: reuseable head bolt question

Found some. But not here or tested, so am not going to post the source just yet. Person on other end said not 'torque to yield', but was obviously one of those 'nightmare' minimum wagers. (Indian?)

Now... What is the thread spec for the exhaust manifold bolts? 1/2" head, .312 dia barrel, 1" threaded, 2" barrel. Putting the bolt into my CHEK'R (tm), I get both the 18nc and 24nf thread 'pass'.
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1989, 2.9, 4x, Auto, manual locking hubs.
MODS: Throttle cable, kickdown cable, 60/40 to rotating bucket seats, remote brake, 'slapstick' transfer case, fine grain cruise, 'deep eyes' headlights, all LED lighting.
1992, 2.3, 2x, auto. Running parts body. No mods yet.
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  #6  
Old 01-09-2014, 03:52 PM
librum librum is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 154
Default Re: reuseable head bolt question

The exhaust bolts are M8-1.25-80mm. Lowes $2.52 a pair, 030699353484. You can also use the 90mm, 030699354986, $2.68 a pair.

The tap/drill for that is $7.98. Lowes 038548993799.

The head bolts, they be there too. Took the torque quite well, without washers. With no risk of twisting out that torx bit when torquing on the back ones. I do not have that receipt handy, so can not give the dimensions or price. But take one in, it was an easy match.
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1989, 2.9, 4x, Auto, manual locking hubs.
MODS: Throttle cable, kickdown cable, 60/40 to rotating bucket seats, remote brake, 'slapstick' transfer case, fine grain cruise, 'deep eyes' headlights, all LED lighting.
1992, 2.3, 2x, auto. Running parts body. No mods yet.
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  #7  
Old 01-09-2014, 07:53 PM
Psychopete Psychopete is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,489
Default Re: reuseable head bolt question

higher grade "hardware store" bolts will probably work in a pinch, but you really need to use the right head bolts. they stretch and keep the head clamped down, that's why they're not reuseable. the replacement bolts i got for mine from napa were 6pt head bolts. the t-55 torx they used factory was a terrible idea
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