97 explorer 4.0 ohv cylinder heads

[TyHarris]

Been gone from the forum for a while. Good to be back. Anyways, I blew a head gasket yesterday on the way to work (luckily I have a backup car). So, as usual, I'm going to use this as an excuse to upgrade. But first, a few things:

1: Does anyone make complete, ready to run, cylinder heads for the 97 4.0 OHV that are paired with an upgraded cam? If not, who has the best value (quality vs. Cost) on 4.0 OHV heads?

2: work makes a quality semi-aggressive cam for the 97 4.0 OHV

3: Does anyone have access to a PDF file they could send me with procedure and specs for replacing the head gaskets on a 97 explorer 4.0 OHV?

4: Would it be easier for me to remove the front clip from the truck or just the hood to remove the cylinder heads?

5: Anything else I should go ahead and replace while I have it apart?

6: Any tips, tricks or advice from others who have completed this particular repair before?

Thanks y'all,
Ty

 

[TyHarris]

Update:

Going to start tearing down the top end and ordering parts hopefully this week if I can find the time. Looks like I'll be installing a comp cam 410 camshaft and Tom morana stage 1 racing heads along with a Mahle gasket kit w/ new head bolts. Anyone foresee any issues with this combination?

 

[Grego50]

I never understood why someone would want to remove there hood, to remove and instal a cylinder head, on one of these trucks?