Have a 1998 12 valve engine. What's the best way to change the camshaft? Do I need to pull the head?

In the Motor manual it's says something about a dowel tool to lift the tappets. Has anyone used this before? Is this a special tool or a wooden dowel?

 

If you are going to change the cam with engine in the truck, you will need the cam install kit. It has a tray, 12 dowels, 6 rubber bands, 1 long dowel with hook and 1 string with rubber plug. You don't have to pull the head but will have to pull the rad, condencer, intercooler and lift pump. PDR and Cummins sell the kit.

If you are going to change the cam with the engine out, you can either turn the engine on its side or up side down and not need the install kit.

 

It's basically the same as the repair for a case busted from a dowel pin.
Outline here- http://www.flex.net/~triplem/new/dowelpin.htm