Is it okay to lift a 1986 Dodge D150 225 cylinder head (no rocker arm or manifolds installed) with a shop crane using two bolts (and chains) attached to two rocker arm bolt sockets? I need to install the cylinder head on the block while the block is installed in the truck. The cylinder head is very heavy and I don't think I can safely lower it in place on the block. I am concerned that the rocker arm bolt sockets may not be able to support the weight of the cylinder head.

Does anyone else have a suggestion for a way to install the cylinder head without damaging the head gasket (or my back.) I don't think two people lifting the head would be any better. I have not removed the hood so I can't use a chain hoist.

I hadn't thought about it until just now, but would it be better to install the manifolds at the same time? They are both cast iron and very heavy by themselves.

I would bolt down the bare rocker shaft and use a strap around the shaft. That way the bolts stay loaded in tension and more than 2 will share the load. I prefer to install the manifolds after the head is installed.

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Joshua

Good suggestion! Thanks.

To set the head on squarely without damaging the head gasket, get three threaded bolts, same thread as the head bolts and maybe a few inches longer, cut the hex heads off, cut a slot across the end where the hex was previously, and use them as dowels.
To chain hoist the head, use the two threaded lift points that are between the cover rail and the manifold face and one or more of the rocker shaft posts.
The head is about 80 lbs, add another 100 for a cast intake and exhaust, get grade 8 bolts, that is overkill but most secure

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Doo Ron Ron and the Duke of Earl are friends of mine.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX8Nj8ABEI8

Thanks for the suggestion! I think I have use this procedure in the past for installing V8 heads.