I've been researching here awhile and definilty have the rock hard hose all the time. There is no water showing up in oil or exhaust (yet). It's been going on about 4 months that I'm aware of. I read about checking the injector cups before pulling the heads but my injectors were changed 2.5 years and 20,000 miles ago. I would think cup problems would have shown up a lot closer to the change of the injectors. I'm planning on doing the head gaskets using a set of stock replacement head bolts and the newer gaskets. My truck has the six gun but I'm not planning on seeing anything more than 30 PSI with the stock turbo.

Assuming I dont' get differing advice on the injectors, has anyone ever pulled the heads and left the glow plugs and injectors in place, cleaned up the mating surface on the heads and block and reinstalled? I figure the odds of the cups leaking vs the head gaskets is probably 80 to 90% and I could always do the cups if the problem is still there afterward but the gaskets will be a necessity now or later. And of course on a tight budget and timeframe.

Any thoughts would be appreciated along with tips on best places to buy parts from.

BTT and I think I'll be using type C gaskets on mine. I can't imagine the 0.25 to 0.5 point on compression will make much difference in power. On my LS1 milling the heads and notching the pistons for valve clearance will get about 30 hp. I've got more power than my tranny can hold anyway so who cares?

Is my plan a good one or should I plan on removing the injectors and glow plugs?

When I did my HG's on my 01, I pulled and resealed the cups, better now than having to go through it later. I did pull the glow plugs and injectors prior to pulling heads. Motorhead buddy of mine told me that pulling the injectors would be safer, so I wouldn't damage the injector tip if I mishandled the head, (dropped it). You don't have to remove the Turbo, even though All-data says to, you can work the left head out with the turbo in place! Have fun, take your time!