Some people feel it's easier to pull their engines when replacing the head gasket. IDK. Can be painful (back, knees, neck, ---)
to remove the head in the engine bay depending on your physical condition, history of injuries, working alone, available tools, ----
OTRAMM makes it look easy as he's obviously done that job many times and the engine is on a stand.
Been discussed previously but you're new to the forum so here's one list of other things to do while you're in there:
First, find a good machine shop for the head rebuild
Replace water, emissions/fuel, power steering, transmission, and vacuum hoses
Inspect and re-wrap the main engine harness to include a heat sleeve
Send fuel injectors off to be cleaned
Replace harness connectors for fuel injectors (often they break)
Replace all grommets for cleaned fuel injectors
Clean (hot tank) intake and exhaust manifolds and valve cover (using proper detergents for aluminum)
Cerakote exhaust manifolds and heat shields
Clean Throttle Body
Clean/replace EGR valve (and pipe)
Replace EGR vacuum modulator
Clean EGR temp sensor tip and replace gasket
Replace heat control valve on firewall
Replace all hose clamps with either Toyota clamps or Breeze clamps)
Replace distributor O-ring
Replace oil pump seal gasket
Replace Oil pump shaft bronze bushing if found to be worn
Replace front crank seal
Drop both oil pans, clean, and reseal
Remove Timing cover, replace O-rings and reseal
Replace oil level sensor O-ring
Replace Transmission dipstick O-ring
Replace Valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals
Replace spark plug wires (OEM only)
Replace distributor cap and rotor
Replace water pump
Replace Thermostat (OEM)
Replace radiator cap (OEM only)
Replace or service starter (contacts and plunger)
Replace or service alternator (brush pack)
Replace of service fan clutch (drain and add silicone fluid)
Replace AC and Alternator pulleys
Replace fan belts
Replace radiator if original and/or the plastic tanks are turning brown/tan
Replace radiator cushions/isolators
Replace oil pressure sensor
Clean engine bay, repair/paint any corrosion
Replace any corroded/damaged fasteners (bolts)
Replace motor and transmission mounts
Repair any cables with deteriorating rubber (Cruise control, Throttle, Accelerator) with adhesive lined heat shrink tubing.
Clean clean clean everything in the engine bay
Paint block
Paint, powder coat, or Cerakote Valve cover
I've probably forgotten a few things??
At a minimum, replace/service parts that are difficult or impossible to get to with the head attached (under the intake manifold, on the firewall, etc)
Others will chime in
HTH's
And Welcome to MUD!!!
