Hey all, I have a 1998 3.5L SOHC Montero with 154k miles (247,830 kilometers) on the clock. She's new to me and seems in decent shape. I'm doing the timing belt/water pump/crank bolt/cam seals and MAYBE the valve guide seals. I'd rather leave the heads on to do this.. The heads don't have too much gunk under the valve covers. I didn't have any overheating issues but only had the truck a couple of months. So... What's the consensus about just doing the head gaskets preemptively? Are they bound to fail eventually or 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it?' What do you guys think?? I really like this truck and hope to keep her for the long haul!

If it ain't broke....

As long as you have no indication of head gasket failure, I would opt to leave it along. The other gaskets are more prone to failure or need replacement due to another part failure.

I would opt for preventive maintenance. Don't let it overheat. Three row radiator, alternate temp warning, new hoses, regular cooling system check-ups and maintenance.

I vote for retorque on the head bolts only.

Great, thanks guys, will do.

I'd go with fasteddy.