This is my first post. I have had my 2000 ranger for about six years with little or no problems. Recently, I developed a coolant leak on the pasenger side head gasket just under the exhaust manifold so I have decide to replace the head gaskets. I got the whole thing apart but I am sure that there must be some do's and don'ts regarding head gasket replacement so I am hoping for any tips or sugestions that anyone can offer. Thanks.

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2000 Ranger XLT Off Road. 4.0 pushrod engine. 152,000 miles.

buy a muffin tin and white mailing labels. stick groups of bolts (valve cover, head bolts, etc) in a dish and label them, youll never lose a bolt. and you can peel off the labels and reuse

make sure you torque everything or you will blow the gasket out once you start it up. (about 75-85ft/lbs)

tape the oil and coolant galleys before you scrape the old gasket off.

if you remove wires or connectors, wrap them in a tab of tape and mark each end with a corresponding number or whatever so your not scratching your head when you reassemble them.

and remeber, silicone gasket maker will NOT work on your head, valve covers are ok but not the head lol.

message if you have any other questions

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also, you should prob get new head bolts. they stretch when torqued. and if its a pushrod motor make sure all the rods go back in the same hole.

make sure you dont lose the the metal dowels when you pull it off. they aligin the head when you put it back on