Buy the torque wrench when you're out and about picking up a new plug and a few washers.I don't have a measurable torque wrench................which is why im in this mess to start with.
How much torque you think I'm putting out with my hands and cloth over the bolt/plug haha?
Is this heli-coil kit something i could perform from under the truck. Last thing i want to do is screw it up even more. Is it generally something that shops are familiar with? My first call to an independent shop i mentioned heli-coil and he thought i was speaking french.
I wouldn't think you're even approaching 5 ft-lb.
Helicoils can definitely be installed on your back and under the truck. In my past life, I've installed them as approved fixes in aircraft. You'll end up with a stronger thread than you started with. They're used by the ton to fix stripped spark plug threads.
PADDO has great advice in the thread above this one. Try a google for "truck repair indianapolis" and see where that leads...
Report back when fixed.