I had an exhaust leak on my 06 f150 supercrew 4x4 and removed the manifold to replace the gasket if I was able to fix it that way. It was leaking by the gasket but I noticed a crack in the manifold that is not leaking but could start. The removal of the manifold took me a while and I do not want to do it again if I have to.
Questions:
Can I weld the crack on the manifold?

Would putting headers on it be easier?

Any suggestions will be great.
Thanks, Dave

 

as far as welding goes, you can weld it all you want but it may be so warped that it wont even fit anymore. shorty headers would probably be just as tough to do but they would be cheaper depending on the brand.