Well I decided to do my own header install. I haven't even begun the install, and already I'm regretting my decision. I've got the stock manifolds out of the way, but am having the hardest time getting the stock mid pipe loose from the stock muffler.

I have all the o2 sensors and clamps out of the way. The joint where the mid pipe joins the muffler is not budging. I don’t have any pneumatic or welding tools, because I thought this could be done with simple hand tools. Laying on my back it’s hard to put much force on the pipes, but I have tried a pry bar and it didn’t even budge the crimped pipes.

How are you guys removing the pipes?

 

You started at the wrong end pal

We throw a motorcycle tiedown strap or come-a-long over the rear axel and another one around the crossmember to the crossover pipe and play ratchet games...... With the muffler in the middle.

It helps if you have a torch or on my second remodel I took a dremel tool with a cut off disc and made one slot down each exhaust where the U-bolt clamps are. ( just be carefull and only go through the outside pipe.)

A BFH eventually comes in handy at just the right moment to scare the stuborn SOB off.

I don't know what else to tell you seeing how you don't have the tools and you just unbolted the ships anchor.

Good Luck!

 

EZGZ,

Thanks for the info. I guess I will try a dremel tool tomorrow.

Mike

 

I had the same problem seperating the cat pipes from the muffler. I solved it by buying a "come-along" at my local Home Depot and using it to pull the muffler backward while I used the BF urethane hammer and torch on the head pipes. I also had the advantage of having the head pipes tied to the motor. Once the muffler tube is crimped down onto the head pipe it does not want to come loose. Slitting the muffler tube will really help, but it also assumes that you are going to replace the muffler. I took a short length of chain and wrapped it around the hitch as a tie point for the come-along. It was not a fun process and once you get it loose, you still have to get the left headpipe out and off the vehicle. I removed the rear heat shield bolts and the fuel line bracket to do it.

 

Step 1 - Bench press the truck


Step 2 - Kick at the fugger


Step 3 - Lay on your back staring at your truck wondering why the hell you cant move your damn exhaust


Step 4 - Cut the bastard off.........

-Kimball

 

Since you already have the manifolds off...why not drop the crossmember and drop the whole thing in one piece. Then you can cut and bang it apart!