I am ready to install my new exhaust manifold, but I need some help with the method. The 3 bolts connecting the manifold to the exhaust pipe are in a tough spot for those without compressor ratchets. My thought was to detach the front exhaust pipe at the cat, remove the manifold, and try to pull out the manifold/front-exhaust assembly. Maybe then I could get to those bolts with my meager box wrench.

The only additional part I'd need then is the pipe-to-cat gasket.

Am I missing something critical here? Is this a common way to accomplish this task (regardless of header/manifold choice, an argument I'm *not* trying to revisit with this posting)?

 

You can get to it from below with an extension or two, that's the way I do it. 14mm nuts, I believe. Try to soak the studs/nuts w/ penetrating oil of your choice before removal.

There are most likely two donut (round) exhaust gaskets that you'll want to inspect/replace at this connection.

 

Yep, about 12 inches of extension from under the truck will get it.

 

Off to Sears for appropriate tools. Sorry for the novice wrenching question and thanks for the help!

 

One more question:

What's the best method of installing new manifold studs?

Hey, we all start somewhere!

 

are the studs bad? if not dont mess w/ them. removing them may pull the treads out of the head. mine did!!

 

All but three of the studs were removed due to seized nuts. The other three I removed using two nuts locked together. The threads do not appear to be damaged, and I'd like to install new studs as some of the original ones were damaged.

Anybody know how to install em?

 

if you get them from a dealer they will have an installation head of some sort on the stud. either a small socket or an inverted torx head.

 

I've actually ordered mounting studs from LC Engineering. I've contacted them to find out their recommendations. I'll repost their advice in case anyone else is interested.