It's been a real slow process and I'm about due to tackle it. Coolant level in the reservoir slowly lowered over months without any dripping or wet spots with me checking under the hood regularly. All I get are these crusty pink flakes.

Anyways... I want some advice.
I'm at 80 miles and was thinking
Should I replace the gaskets with factory parts or go aftermarket and does anyone have a particularly gasket company they suggest? It would be nice not to have to deal with this again.

 

Go OEM, chrysler designed the engine, use their gasket.

This has the potential to be a huge PIA, so make sure you are slow and systematic about everything to take apart.
Also make sure you torque the bolts down to spec, or you risk the chance of cracking the manifold. I suggest snugging them in a star pattern and follow up with a torque wrench in a star pattern.

 

Thanks for the advice. My friend let me check out his alldata account so I got all the diagrams and specs with the recommended patterns. It's just when things fail, I'm hesitant in reusing their product. I know it's a different ballpark, but I've purchased tons of aftermarket products(gaskets, seals) for different vehicles that put factory stuff to shame at a fraction of the price.

 

in this case go with mopar gaskets there is a difference in the after market and mopar gaskets in some cases this and valve cover gaskets on these engines are much better stock take it from me also per another poster be very careful when you torque everthing back down

 

Thanks for your help! Much appreciated