Just because you get a new go-fast goodie in the mail doesn’t always mean it’ll bolt right up without a hassle…or some finagling.
This was the case with our head stud install job on our latest 6.7L Cummins project vehicle. With all the head studs in, the rocker box (between the valve cover and the top of the head) wouldn’t clear one of the studs and its nut at the rear of the number 6 cylinder. So, a little custom dye-grinding took place to make it work.
This is why (on any DIY job) it’s nice to have a “master mechanic” around to help out and improvise. It’s a good thing we had one of the best helping us out last weekend.
PS – because our ’09 Dodge Ram 2500 only had 11,000 miles on the odometer we opted to install the studs one at a time. The recommended torque sequence was 77 lb-ft, then 86 lb-ft, and a final 96 lb-ft pass.