Getting ready for a head gasket repair (help!)

[Canoncowgirl]

Hi everyone! I'm getting ready to do a head gasket repair on my 96 aerostar cargo van with a 3.0L engine. It's my first ever head gasket (oh boy am I in for some fun ) And I've got a couple questions:

1) Are there any shop manuels/ resources you would recommend over others? The more pics/ diagrams the better

I found this post http://bit.ly/wt2Cvk which seems handy, but theres no photos I'm not a big fan of that forum anyway

2) Is there anything I should look into replacing while I'm in there? It's over heated pretty bad a couple times, but still runs...grudgingly.

3) Any other general advice & well wishes? ;-)

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Take a look at a Haynes or a Chilton manual. A Ford manual would have more detailed information. Check EBay for these manuals in printed form or on a CD/DVD.

 

[wood1]

I would have the heads checked for cracking and warping once you have them off, use a shop vac to clean out the cylinders once you have the motor torn down, Chilton's is better than Haynes, take your time. Oh, and have fun. It's not that bad of a job if you are prepared. Take pictures of it as you take it apart, digital photos will help you when you are scratching your head wondering where such and such plugs in.

And welcome to the forum!