Dreaded exhaust manifold studs...

[Yager]

Finally bit the bullet and did my exhaust manifolds. I've done then a few times on my other trucks. Even a set of long tubes in my 5.4 superduty. Still nothing makes that job easier it just sucks lol. Thought I'd share the pain and triumphant moment when the inner fenders went back in lol

The mess

Even had to weld nuts to the studs. Broke my extractor.

All old studs out and ready for new

The feeling of win. That moment was omost as good as watching my son being born lol...

 

[Ulver]

Congrats! I'm due for this job pretty soon on my 4.6. My brother and i plan on spraying it off with rust remover, then applying heat before I take the nuts off. Any other advice to prevent me from breaking anything?

 

[Yager]

There going to break. They always do. I've done 4 or 5 of these trucks now. Either have a mig welder handy or invest in a stud remover. It makes a world of difference. I spray everything when I pull it in and it's hot. Pb blaster is your friend here. Also make sure u have access to new manifolds if your not planning to replace them. Chances are u won't get the studs out for the y pipe. Other then that. Allot of patience. Bloody knuckles and some flavorful words should have u all fixed up. Let me know if u have any problems. I'll try to help u out

 

[JExpedition07]

In spring I ordered the parts from Ford for my 5.4 3V and decided to have my shop do it after watching the YouTube horror lol. Did both sides. A lot nicer to look at non rusty ones too lol.

 

[Ulver]

There going to break. They always do. I've done 4 or 5 of these trucks now. Either have a mig welder handy or invest in a stud remover. It makes a world of difference. I spray everything when I pull it in and it's hot. Pb blaster is your friend here. Also make sure u have access to new manifolds if your not planning to replace them. Chances are u won't get the studs out for the y pipe. Other then that. Allot of patience. Bloody knuckles and some flavorful words should have u all fixed up. Let me know if u have any problems. I'll try to help u out

I just recently replaced both of my cats successfully without breaking anything, so hopefully I'll get lucky again this time when I disconnect it again. Thanks for the tips. I'll go ahead and purchase a set of studs and bolts.

 

[Retiredusps]

Did one a few months ago. The studs I cut thru the manifold ears with a 3 in cut off wheel then welded the ears closed with the new studs installed.Small tack on stud where it comes out of ears. Did this on my F250 also, never loosened up and that was about 4 yrs. ago.