Hello eveyone, I am new to the forum, but not new to mechanical work.

Just bought a 98 ranger with only 106k and needs a head gasket. Gonna replace both. I have worked on many different cars and have done many different jobs. However head gaskets will be a first. So I have a few questions:

1. After the heads are off, what do I look for in them to know if they need rebuilt?

2. I would never use anything but oem for headgaskets, but what about the other gaskets, intake, exhaust, etc..

3. How do I properly clean where the block and heads meet to ensure a proper seal?

4. Anything else I should do while I'm there? I read somewhere to replace the cam position sensor while I'm at it. Anything else?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Grant