looks like I have an opportunity to put my cam in, cuz one wont come around for another 4 months or so. I need to know any advice, or special tools Im gonna need (other than a lifter tool and a 'cam handle'? I guess u'd call it), but Im doin it at my buddy's shop ironically the same one my dad works at, but hes an import guy and has a side job so he wont be a lot of help. And lifters, I need to know how to get mine out? pen magnet? and maybe just a simple step by step walk thru of how to do it. I have confidence but just could use some light from above I guess Thanks everyone

 

Have you looked through this article? It's for an f-body, but it is essentially the same in the trucks.

http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=23

You can't remove the lifters without pulling the heads.

 

sounds like you've got it mostly covered...dont forget the balancer puller, and all of your gaskets/fluids

 

why pull the lifters??? the stock ones work just fine in performance applications.

how much lift on the cam? you replacing valve springs?

 

yeah springs rods and Lunati and my dad recommended replacing the lifters just because ya know, some good insurance I guess. Gotta pull the heads tho huh?.. hmm.. I only have gaskets for the valve covers intake and timing cover crank seal a huge bolt and 2 identicle ones with a circle and square bores and 3 holes for bolts it looks? enlightenment? and harmonic balancer puller? y?. my cam has .558 lift and what will I need besides dex-cool? oil?

 

oops, and I have the timing chain too. anything Im missing?

 

http://ls1howto.com/index.php?article=23


5/16 dowel rods IMO. Pulley puller. 24mm socket for crank bolt. Valve spring compressor.

 

cool thanks. Little bumming update tho. The guy who was gonna let me use his stall bailed on me so now if I wanna do it I guess I could run up to my dad's shop and grab a case of tools for this and do it myself in my drive way. I guess I got the cajones but then again I would like someone to atleast oversee my work. Any takers? haha Ill throw some beer money or some lunch in it. I guess Ill sleep on it and decide if I wanna work on my truck or get paid for the day