intake gaskets HELP ????

Hello,
My '98 4.0 4X4 ranger's engine light is on becuz it is indicating to be running lean( I think). Anyway a machanic(who I trust) checked it out and said it was becuz of the intake gasket need to be replaced. He didn't specify if it was the upper or lower, but I guess if you were going to replace one why not the other as well. Anyway can someone help me. Can this job be done without bringing it in? I need some direction if possible. Any help appreciated.

thanks,
chris

I would first do the upper. If you later have to do the lower, you will probably find the upper gaskets reusable ... unless a lot of driving time has passed.

Most leaks occur in the upper.

The lower involves much more work ... the engine coolant has to be dumped, etc.

I would first do the upper. If you later have to do the lower, you will probably find the upper gaskets reusable ... unless a lot of driving time has passed.

Most leaks occur in the upper.

The lower involves much more work ... the engine coolant has to be dumped, etc.

Could you give any direction on the process or suggestions?

Autozone.com covers this procedure pretty well:
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/0b/94/b0/0900823d800b94b0.jsp

The 4.0 is covered with photos, be sure to scroll down.

I would buy the gaskets before getting started. Be sure to clean top of engine really well before starting. Also stuff the clean shop towels in openings as soon as you lift the upper intake manifold.

The "upper" is not a big job.