Can somebody tell me for the love of god where I can find the stock hold down spreaders for the 2.9 v6 engine...it’s in an 88 ranger xlt if that helps...I’m going to result to making them if it comes down to it but if anyone knows where to get them it would be much appreciated

 

Welcome to the forum

There were no "stock" spreaders as far as I know, there were "washers" with a <> shape not sure where to get those, but not a Ford specific thing so auto parts store may have similar "washers"

Use cork gaskets, always, rubber gaskets are only used if you need to pull valve covers often, or if using aluminum valve covers

Stamped steel valve covers need cork, it will start to swell and fill gaps when oil touches it from inside the valve cover

The bolt holes often get bent in from over tightening, use a vise, hammer and flat steel to make valve cover straight

Make sure PCV system is working, it creates a negative pressure inside the valve covers to prevent oil leaks from starting.

These are gravity leaks, there should be no pressure inside a valve cover, or oil pan, forcing oil out
You an use RTV along the lower edge of the gasket, as thats where the oil pools and sits