My 87 4Runner's engine has recently been rebuilt, but I think a different cam should be in it.

Since I'll have the head bolts out to R&R the cam, I was wondering if I would be able to install studs without removing the head? Can't say I've ever installed studs, so be gentle!

TIA!

 

yes you can. just be careful not to move the head while the headbolts are out.

 

so you removed the cam/head bolts and you are not redoing the headgasket?

 

Well, that's the plan. Found quite a few pages which indicate that, as long as the gasket seal isn't broken, it's safe to do. Make sure to drain antifreeze completely to avoid floating the head off the block, etc.

I'm not excited about the idea, but it seems that the vast majority of threads/pages on doing it do it that way.

it has about 5000 miles on it since it was rebuilt, so it's not a preventative maintenance that would make sense to do.

 

I swapped a cam and head bolts with out doing a head gasket a couple of years ago and I have had no issues with it so far..

If that makes you feel any better..

I kinda wish I would have put in ARP studs...

 

It's a risk but like you have seen by researching it can be done. What's wrong with the old studs? why arp. i know they're all good and well but don't see many guys running them. Then again i thought of using arp's when i rebuilt my last 22re so can't shun you for that. Do it and give some feedback.

 

What's in there now are the original bolts. I'm running a turbo motor, adding an intercooler and turning up the boost. ;-) Studs sound like a good idea.

 

good point good luck

 

sure it's a risk; if you disturb the head gasket, you'll end up with problems

but at the same time, if you've ever removed the head from a block, you know how well they can stick together, so you might be fine if the head gasket has some miles on it



but personally, were it me, I'd just get a head gasket kit at the same time and do it, but I'm not that big of a risk taker...

 

Summary - all is well, 700 miles later

And the DOA cam is incredibly better than what is supposed to be a Crane Stage II cam. Wowza!