if you need it i rent the tool to do the vss on the truck let me know

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Torch, Canyonero has the tool also, not sure he will charge you. His tool also comes with experienced hands that can help install the new valve stem seals. When you replace them also plan to buy new valve cover gaskets x2, rear cam plugs x4, front cam plugs x4. Doing the new valve stem seals won't take very much time. Couple hours at most and it's a HUGE money saver. Doing new heads is cool to though but if you compare cost of VVS replacement vs. head replacement. Going dealer VVS is around 150 bucks, doing heads is gonna cost you up around 800 between new heads, gaskets, and head bolts. Also, you will have A LOT of prep work involved for doing heads, Gotta make sure surfaces on the block and heads are both very very clean before bolting down.

In that large cul-de-sac area of Phoenix otherwise known as Ahwatukee.

Hm, I think the only thing I'm missing are the rear cam plugs. I have the gasket kit from here. which appears to include everything mentioned except those. I'm pretty sure I have an extra set of the various intake related gaskets too.

Welcome to the wire!

Personally I think that replacing the heads will be a lot of unnecessary cost and work, in your case. It sounds like you're pretty mechanically inclined and should be able to tackle the valve stem seals without removing the heads (with the compression readings you've got I don't see any reason to pull them). It's just a matter of pulling the cams and rockers off to get to the seals - it is VERY tight around the valve springs but with patience it can be done.

You're located right in between the Montero owners in Phoenix and the East Valley guys - there are a lot of great people here that are more than willing to help with tools or assistance if needed, so don't be afraid to ask. Our local forum is here - http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/postlist.php?Cat=0&Board=azcrawlercrew&page=0

That's enough talk about my tool fellas. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I don't charge anything to borrow a tool. Only policy I have is if you break it, you replace it. PAJ and I did the VSS on another engine in a little more than an hour, but that was with the engine on a stand. Still, it shouldn't take more than a few hours to get it done. I've got adapters to pump air into the cylinders to keep the valves in place while replacing the VSS as well. So, if you need a hand, I'm sure some of us can buzz over to your area and help out. PAJ pretty much covered the parts list. WAY less than new heads for a few hours labor. I don't think you're going to need heads at 155K+ miles. Just my .02.

Just mechanically inclined enough to get myself into trouble from time to time <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />.

I guess since the primary reason for wanting to do the heads was it seemed quicker than doing the valves myself was in order to have it back on the road for this weekend but that's obviously not going to happen so I think I'll take the opportunity to save money for later phases of this effort (read: upgrades) and just do the valve stem seals.

If I pull the cam & rockers off though should I consider replacing the valve lift adjusters? I haven't ran the engine enough prior to taking the plenum off to notice any ticking, and there hasn't been any noticeable ticking when I've idled it in the yard. I'd think some seafoam would take care of any issues they might have if they're not making themselves known otherwise right?

The original lifters are a known problem area due to their small oil holes. It wouldn't be a bad idea to replace them with the updated lifters while you're in there if they're making any noise right now.

The best price I've found them for is here: http://www.store.partsdinosaur.com/product224.html

Hopefully those lifters are better than the one's we put in lloyds motor. I actually opted not to replace lifters in my motor because of how the lifters worked when I dropped them in lloyds motor. It has quieted down since we originally put them in but you can still hear them more then I've ever heard them in another 3.5 or V6 mitsu engine for that matter. The ones RyanY pointed out might be better so it's worth a shot, Just not to sure I trust aftermarket lifters. Thats just my opinion though.

I've never had much good luck with aftermarket lifters, either. I would probably just try to clean the ones you already have. I know when I did my 3.0, 11 of the 12 were were stuck solid. a little cleaning in diesel, and they all came back to life.
Mitsubishi Valve Lash Adjuster Cleaning Bulletin