96 XLT 4.0 Head Gasket leaking, need advice!!!!

[eckerd_explorer]

Hey huys, I've got a 96 xlt with the 4.0 ohv. right after i bought the truck i had to replace the lower intake manifold gasket do to its "popular leak", that was a year ago, and lately i've noticed a strong antifreeze smell while in drive through lines, small confined spaces and such, i've located a small leak in the head gasket area on the passenger side of the block.
what should i do? does this seem to be a common problem with the specific year and engine. has anybody had this problem? if so, has it held up after the fix?
if these engines keep blowing gaskets, i'm thinking of maybe cleaning it up and trading it in. the engine only has 80k miles, so i'm thinking it was a factory screw up.
this is serious for me because in july i'm moving from oregon to florida, and driving the whole thing with a small trailer.
if a replaced gasket and resurfaced heads will fix my problem and keep it from returing i'll do it. if my plan doesn't sound like it will, then i'm going to cut my losses and trade'er in.
i'll take any and all buts of advice and help.
thanks.
tony

 

[floydr007]

If you do the work properly, and resurface and prep the heads, as it sounds like you are planning, the head gasket should last a very long time. However, if you are worried about future parts breaking, they very well might, i cant guess as to the condition of your engine.

 

[eckerd_explorer]

Yea, I'm gonna make sure everything is done to spec. i'm confident in my abilities as well as my father's but, i gotta go across the country in 4 months and i don't wann take any chances. so, i'd rather have a ford mechanic do all the work. my engine is flawless except for this leak, reg oil changes w/M1, etc. i like my ex lookin good and running even better.
i'm just not sure if my specific engine is prone to head gasket problems. if so, well then thats when i'd look into the trade in. but if the gasket problem is fixed, and fix well, and i have no reaccuring problems then i definately wanna keep her.
thanks for lookin....