So I'm going to spend my tax return on fixing the exhaust leak on my 2006 5.4 4x4. What recommendations do you guys have? Should I go with OEM manifolds or shorty headers? I've read some reviews about the Gibson and JBA headers cracking after a short time. Anyone here have any experience with these? I thought they were supposed to be two of the best shorties available for our trucks but I don't want to have to replace them in a couple of years. I wouldn't mind having a little more low end torque but I'm not really concerned with overall HP gains. I just want something that's going to last.

 

Just adding shorties wont make any noticeable difference. I'd honestly just replace them with OEM, but thats me.

 

 

I'm not really looking for HP gains I just was thinking headers might last longer than OEM manifolds. Who makes the best after market manifolds in your opinion? If I order OEM from Ford with stainless studs how long are they going to last?

 

Dorman has been known to crack within a year. I would just stick with Ford.

 

yea dorman manifolds are not worth a ****. i would stick with ford too

 

Thanks guys, I had exactly the same question for my 05 and was considering going with headers just because I didn't want to have this happen again.

Any recommendations on the best place to buy the passenger side manifold? I assume I am looking for the "right" one, sure wish they were labeled as passenger side.

Can anyone tell me what the part number is? I found 7C3Z9430A, but it looks like that part is discontinued.

 

I replaced both exhaust manifolds with Dorman supplied by Napa. Going on a year and no failures as of yet. Will post on forum if any cracks appear.
Hope I received a good pair as I do not want to be doing that job again anytime soon, even with the limited lifetime warranty.
Use of stainless fasteners is a must.


Should be part # 3L3Z9430DA. Tasca seems to have no stock. ATP 101361 from RockAuto looks like a good alternative with limited lifetime warranty.

 

$147.50 from the local Ford dealership. I asked for a part number, but he was mumbling and I despite having him confirm what I jotted down it is not searchable.