Hi Folks,
I am replacing the head gaskets on my 89 Toyota P/U. I bought her brand new in 89, She's never been to the shop (just me), and I FINALLY, at 417,000 miles, blew the head gasket, not in a dramatic way, it was a small coolant leak that got worse, back of the engine, drivers side. Anyway, I am at the point in the tear down where I need to remove the cams, if I have to. That is my question. Do I have to remove the camshafts in order to remove the heads? I can get a socket on all of the head bolts by rotating the cam, kind of pain, but I would rather not disturb the cams if I don't have to. Thanks!

 

If I remember correctly, you dont need to pull the cams, but the cam gears need to come off.

 

The cam gears are off, and BOY were they a bear to get off. When they broke, the motor jumped and dust went flying LOL.