I would highly recommend taking the head to a local machine shop and having it shaved flat again. I know everyone says but I didnt over-heat it, neither did I but mine was out 20 thou!! I bought the truck as a beater with a blown head gasket. Propped the head up enough to scrape it clean and slap a new gasket in. It wasnt 4 months and it blew again. Puffing white smoke like crazy.

 

I had the head shaved. I am getting ready to put it back together and trying to decide if an adjustable timing gear is a good investment. Does anyone have experience with using shaved head (.027 - .030 ) without an adjustable timing gear? Does this advance the timing too much and will an adjustable timing gear be necessary to get the timing adjustment back at the distributor?

 

I did not use an adjustable timing gear - if I was racing, mud running, or climbing, I would want one but this is a street vehicle and the timing is working fine for what we use it for (pt. A to pt. B). Thanks again for for everyone's advice and tips here. TN was pretty good but felt more at home here with a pickup.

I will be tempted to buy a 22RE 4x4 for play next. It's all YOUR fault.