billmck04

I have a TIG machine with a small torch - it's a tricky spot but use nuts that are just the right size to "grab" onto the stud - makes it easier.

crash_41382

im actually gonna have my manifold checked and maybe resurfaced, they dont look too bad. funny that my truck doesnt have a spec of rust anywhere but the manifold bolts are rotten, must be bad metal from the factory. ive been looking at headers but my old truck has 170,000 on it. at this point with that mileage im noy really performance minded, just wanna get every mile out of it that i can. and i really appreciate your insight, itll help alot

thanks, dustin

Gol4

While billmck04 did mention lube in his post, I have not seen anyone mention, be sure to use a penetrating fluid like PB Blaster or what ever brand you choose. I started spraying it down a few days ahead of time and it really made a difference for me. I had 3 broken studs and was able to get all the other studs out with out breakage. I used about 1/2 can. Once I finished it smoked like heck which had me worried until I realized it was all the fluid being burned off.

crash_41382

thanks for reminding me, thats something i will have to pick up, ive been using aero kroil, that stuff impresses the hell out of me

crash_41382

i got the passenger side done this weekend, one thing i can tell you about my truck is that its never been touched, original manifolds, balljoints, tierods, and drives good. but the manifold fought me every step of the way. luckily i didnt have any break off in the head. the first two nuts on the top came off stud and all, i ended up cutting the rest off and welding nuts on em. everything took forever, especially the starter. so i made the decision to have the other side done. once bitten, twice shy.

but thanks to everyone for your advice.

dustin

Shaggy1970

Dustin,
I just did mine about two months ago. I feel your pain. What made my job easier was a 90 degree air drill, I went out and bought 4 carbonite drill bits, that cut through the studs like butter. Also bought a left hand drill bit set. I got all but one stud out this way with enough thread left to put new studs in. The one remaining stud had to be completely drilled out. Tried to re-tap it and but the hole in the head was too big. Went to NAPA and bought the next size stud and placed in the hole with JB weld, put the manifold on to make sure the holes lined up and let it sit over night. Next day threaded the nuts on and torqued them down and two months now, no leak and runs quite. If you have any questions just ask.