do not use the mls style gasket, there has been many problems with the cometic gaskets sealing properly, even with perfectly flat sealing surfaces. the newer cummins gaskets are pretty forgiving if the sealing surfaces are not perfectly flat. i would definately have the head checked for cracks, flatness, and then have orings installed by a reputable shop that has experience installing orings on cummins B cylinder heads, if you have orings, when you do the initial torque, fire up the truck and let it come up to opertaing temp, you can drive it around, but keep the rpms, and boost very low, like no more than 8-10psi an the rpms below 1800-2000, go back and do a hot retoruqe, plug in your block heater, that will help retain heat in the engine. i torqued my studs to 130 ft lb., set your valves again, becuase they are going to be tight, after that you can drive around for about 500miles, still with low boost, and rpm, just be very easy on it, go back and do another hot retoruqe. after that you can start to romp on it a little bit, but do not flogg it all the time, put about 2,500 miles on it, and go back and do another hot retorque. after that your should have a nice and tight head that should last you a long time with no issues. also make sure you set your valves each time you do a retorque because the gasket is settling more each time, and changine the valve lash. while you have the head off, if you have access to a good straight edge, check the block straightness also, no more than .02 thousandths end to end. if it is more than that, your going to have sealing issues, you will need to have the block deck surfaced. good luck!
Wes
