So I just drove 1300 miles to detroit to start my internship with Ford. After getting here I decided to do an oil change (it was about 5k since the last one). Since I brought my VMAX and the trailer here, I had all my tools so I just jacked up the truck and proceeded with the oil change.

When I pulled the drain plug it was covered in needles from a needle bearing. I started freaking out, but then I have been driving the truck 5k since the last change (almost all my trucks miles are towing/pulling/or 85+ on hwy) so they are no easy miles.

I finished up the oil change and started googleing and found TSB 02-06-01-029. Apparently the rocker arm bearings will go and that seems to be the likely cause - as I cant really think of anywhere else that has needle bearings like that.

So while I am here, I have a parking lot, and all my tools. But before I jump into this I have a few questions.

The TSB lists PN 10214664 for the "new" rockers. They are about $10 each from gmpartdirect. Is this the best bet? I was planning on doing a mild cam and long tubes when I got back. Would it be worthwhile to go to a full roller? if so whats the recommended brand?

Also am I correct in understanding I can simply pull the valve covers and then unbolt the rockers and replace them? Because I dont think I could swing pulling the heads here. I took a look under the hood and it seems like you pull the coil packs, and some wiring and you can remove the covers without too much issue? Will I need to grab a feeler gauge to set the lash?

Any other help/tips/tricks is much appreciated.

TL;DR
-Needle bearings in oil.
-TSB 02-06-01-029
-Best replacement rocker arms? (10214664)
-how to replace them?

 

I would put in a Comp Cams trunion upgrade. You will need to press in the new needle bearings for the upgrade. If you could get to a vice, you can easily do it. You still have thiose little needles floating around in there somewhere though. You dont have to set them with a feeler gauge, just torque them down to 22 ft-lbs.

 

I didnt count them, but unless I had total failure across all rockers I am pretty sure I got most of them out. I will do another oil change in about 500 miles ot be sure. I dont have access to a press or a vice though, so I may delay that upgrade until I get home.

 

Yea the trunion upgrade is good...in fact the stock rockers themselves are pretty good after the upgrade. You can usually pick up a set for around $40 used on forums. In fact I think I have a set at home I can check out if you want, $50 shipped.

 

just so i am clear.

I need a comp kit and I can put it into my old rocker arms? I dont need new rocker arms?

 

Correct

 

Yup. Even some of the vendors on here that charge around 429 dollars for arms with the upgrade done just use used rocker arms. Anyone with a vice can do the job in about an hour. I hot tanked mine so they all look brand new.