Figured this one out, please read the question below as it's my new "problem/unclear solution"...

 

Moving on...next issue...see below

 

Holy pain the pooper these things are quite a challenge...both stock exhaust manifolds removed, new passenger one set in place...but I need a monkey mechanic with alien fingers and x-ray vision...

 

Interested to see if these work out for ya. I've been looking at the Gibsons and am curious if it's worth the trouble. Let me know if you can feel any difference. Also, why did you choose the JBA's over the Gibsons?? THANKS and hang in there!!

 

Well, I've always considered my mod bug pretty hardcore...and always took the "ahh, I can do it, no biggie" approach at comments about mods I was looking or getting ready to do. I'm basically beyond the point of no return now, both stock manifolds are off, and the new passenger one is somewhat in place (bolting it is in the problem of all problems). Installing driver side should be very simple considering the extra room and working area over there. Right now, I'll only be able to work on the truck a few hours every night and at the rate I was going trying to bolt up the passenger side, it might take a few days to get it on.

So far, for the work, it's not worth it as far as the install is concerned -- it's definitely hardcore, and you know it's going to be when JBAs instructions say "cuss, wiggle, cuss more" then the following step they annotate "more cussing". They're not kidding.

As far as the difference, I personally think it'll be worth it because of two things -- A) I'm a huge sucker for a healthy sounding/performing exhaust, and B) the way the JBAs woke up my old '94 4.0L Ranger especially on the highway was worth every bit, so I'm expecting the same here once I get done.

I'm also in communication with Stage8 right now due to a design change on these new engines that only allow half their locking bolts to work.

I chose JBAs over the Gibsons because JBA is well established, I've used them before, and Troyer has quite a good deal on the nicely coated JBAs, best I've seen anywhere. Have always been pleased with my experience and product from JBA, and most everyone else's experiences too. I previously had the silver ceramic ones on my Ranger, and they were great, and the finish never considered dulling...

 

P.S. - If anyone has actually installed these and has some tips for the passenger side PLEASE PM/EMAIL ME or POST THEM HERE...it would really help!

 

Man, you guys are no help... SCrew it.







More pics, including side-by-side shots of JBA vs Stock Manifold in my Gallery (in sig, or camera by location in post)

 

the people who installed mine said they had to unbolt the engine and raise it about two inches to tighten the bolts on the passenger side...dont know if they actually did, but judging from your posts it is a pita :santa: . Good luck

 

Well.... it looks like your almost there. I have also read in several other posts where lifting the motor is required. Have you done that or are you trying to get around it? YOu have me thinking twice about this....... maybe I should wait on the headers......... that looks like a real pain in the ****.

 

Dont forget to retighten the bolts after a few cycles!!!

 

The only experience I had w/ JBA was in my Cobra. Yes, it was a PITA to install AND to remove. They developed a leak after one week and eventually warped at the header bolt tabs. I couldn't even retighten the bolts without lifting the engine off the k-member. They were expensive too. I swore not to bother w/ them ever and tossed them in favor of a set of Ford Racing units of which I am completely satisfied.

 

How much does the labor run to install headers? I was looking at the FRPP ceramic shorties.

 

Where did you get a price for the FRPP one's?? I'm currently looking at the Gibsons.

 

im looking at gibsons as well and im wondering if they are much a pain to install as the JBAs. any help would be appreciated. what exactly is the problem with bolting them? is there room for an open end wrench? im not above sitting there for 2 hours with an open ended wrench tightening header bolts, i had to do it on the torino 4 times.....

 

I am under impressed with Gibson quality. I bought a SS cat back for a 4.0 Ranger. The SS rusted ( ). Plus, they droned like a motha. No more Gibson for me.