Hi all,
    Vanagon newbie here. My 84 exhaust replacement(NO local shop would touch) will involve replacing the head studs. The real bear is removing the old crusty exhaust and breaking/drilling/tapping etc to prep the heads for new studs. Here are my Q's:
1. Do the heads some off and out with the engine IN? I could do a great job if I had the heads on the bench! I'll probably botch something if I drill the heads while in the bus. I almost think it'd be worth dropping the whole motor if the heads alone dont come. I've done the drop on my 77 a couple times...looks~ similar. Opinions?
2. Where can I order stainless studs and hardware from? Stud size?(if oversize not neccessary)
3. I am just beginning to learn/read about head and head gasket woes on these beasts. Would it be recommended to replace the heads and/or gaskets if I pull them? (even with unknown bottom-end mileage/wear?)
Thanks to all! I just got my first H20 van last week and I'll be much more *take* than *give* while I learn. Please bear with me. I'm excited to have my new exhaust (from BD) and have sprayed it with BBQ paint to hopefully avoid instarust! I hope to do this right! 
Jay
schmidt5@hsonline.net
...The bus came by and I got on. That's when it all began...

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