rangertamer

Alright guys I'm going to try my best to plan ahead before I tackle the terrible 2. My truck is ticking like crazy and I think it's exhaust manifolds so those need replaced, so far I've found the manifolds on rock auto for around 70 a piece and they come with gaskets but what I'm wondering is if there are better gaskets out there that people suggest using? And I'm a little confused on some of the threads I've read, so is there bolts and studs or just studs? And which should I order when I do this job? Next is the spark plugs, I've done little research on the subject because I'm dreading it but it needs to be done for the life of this truck. Is a impact best to use to pull the plugs or should I do it by hand? And which extractor tool should I get? I read somewhere there was 2 piece extractor tool and somewhere else there was a 3 piece set? I'm just trying to get everything straight before I tackle all of this so any helpful hints and any knowledge from you guys would be great. And also sorry for posting another thread on the subject but I just think it's easier for me to go to one thread and know all the information is right here lol. Thanks in advance guys!!

alsatropine

iTrader: (2)

I have read mixed reviews on how to remove the plugs. What worked for me is getting the truck to operating temp, allowing it to cool slightly then pulling by hand. You want to get the lisle tool made specifically for our trucks. As far as the manifolds rock auto is fine. They are placed over the stud and a nut holds them on the stud. My best bet was to use air tools. You risk a better chance of breaking the stud if you try it by hand .

rangertamer

Yeah, I'm trying to buy all my parts piece by piece because I don't have the money to buy all at once.

4x4Fun

I will say nothing about the manifolds, as I am not sure and have not tackled those yet myself, but as for the plugs, getting the newer (2 piece) Lisle (Lisle 65600) tool kit is a must. The older (3 piece) Lisle tool does not do as nice of a job. I started my engine warm, tried the anti-sieze spray and wait deal. I was trying to be very careful not to break a plug. I ended up breaking 4. After my first broken plug and using the Lisle tool, I did not fret about breaking the other plugs. That tool really helps!

uzikaduzi

i just did the manifold... broke 2 studs. one i got out and one had to be helicoiled. I soaked them for a week with kroil. i don't know quality difference in the gaskets but the dorman gasket is way different and cheaper looking. (which would make sense since they make cheaper replacement parts.) it comes with 2 studs and nuts for the down tube but does not come with the 8 you need to mount it to the head. on the passenger side I had to remove the starter and unbolt the motor mount and jack up the motor to get the ones on the bottom in the front. I think I used every extension I own to get them out. haven't done the driver's side but i hear it's a breeze compared to the passenger.

rangertamer

Alright. I plan to warm the engine and spray them with pb blaster unless there's something better out there. And I've read good things about the tools, but I've also read about people not being able to get a broken plug out with the extractor tool, I just hope that doesn't happen to me!

rangertamer

Yeah I seen it comes with just 2 studs, I'm going to buy the 8 I need and find a good gasket. How far can I jack the motor up after I take the mount out? And do I need to use rtv or anything like that on the gasket?

uzikaduzi

I jacked it up until the trans dipstick was pressing (but not bent) against the fire wall. I didn't use any rtv on the head/manifold part but i did on the manifold/downtube part.

rangertamer

Okay another question or 2 on the manifolds. Would it be a good idea to just get my old manifolds resurfaced? I mean i don't know if they are warped or not and i don't know how to tell? And if I don't break any studs should I still replace them or just re use the old ones? Trying to save some money but still get the job done right.

IceFishinFool

When I did my plugs I used sea foam deep creep. Comes in a spray just like pb. Cuts through rust carbon and varnish. I did not break any plugs either. I cracked each one 1/4 turn and soaked them for 30 mins and then it was the ol' in and out, in and out.