Removing the H-pipe...

[ocelot]

So I get under my car to get off my stock h-pipe, and I can't for the life of me see how to get the bolts off the front where it meets the headers. I can see the bolts, but I can't fit anything i've got even close to a spot that could get the bolts out. The rear ones are cake, but it looks like I can only get 2 out of 4 of the front ones out because its way too cramped up there and no extension i've got will fit in there right. Any suggestions?

 

[HoustonGT]

You'll need a 12" extension and a swivel joint to get those 2 bolts on the passenger side, it won't be easy but keep tryin

 

[sgarlic]

If you can get under the car and get enough leverage (i.e. with a lift, or really high jack-stands,) use a 1/4" drive extension.. it's thin so it'll slip right in there. Use PB blaster to help loosen some of the rust/deposits holding the nut on tighter. And oh, if you're like me and strip the living hell out of one of the nuts, replace it, or be prepared to re-tighten it every couple weeks.

 

[four.six]

You'll need a 12" extension and a swivel joint to get those 2 bolts on the passenger side, it won't be easy but keep tryin

 

[97GTAP]

So how did it go? Did you have to replace the bolts? Cause I just got a BBK Offroad H.

 

[Mossberg]

You shouldn't have to replace bolts. I reused 4 of them. Use a little antiseize to make them easier to remove next time.

 

[road rage]

You definetly need to soak those bolts with pb blaster

 

[closer9]

Just a an interesting FYI... When I did mine last week I didn't have any trouble getting to the studs, but one nut on each side was so loose I was able to take them off without a wrench... This was on my '04 that I bought new...

 

[FalconGuy016]

Just a an interesting FYI... When I did mine last week I didn't have any trouble getting to the studs, but one nut on each side was so loose I was able to take them off without a wrench... This was on my '04 that I bought new...

*eyes my 04 suspiciously* if my exhaust falls off im going to be super pissed...

 

[Mach1Run]

never had trouble getting the bolts off, it was getting the bastages back on that was tough. Never quite got the passenger tight enough while laying under the car in the garage. On the plus side I only dropped the stocker on once when I was getting it ready to trade in.

 

[Mossberg]

never had trouble getting the bolts off, it was getting the bastages back on that was tough. Never quite got the passenger tight enough while laying under the car in the garage. On the plus side I only dropped the stocker on once when I was getting it ready to trade in.

Damn, we had opposite problems. I had to take mine to an exhaust shop with a lift and air tools to finally get my bolts off. There was no amount of PB Blaster in the world to break those damn things loose using elbow grease. Luckily the guy was cool and didn't charge me a dime.

 

[32v svt]

Use a 3/8 swivel and a deep well socket cut in halve.also use th longest exstension you can find. It is a breeze with that set up. The O2 sensors will be worse than the nuts.

 

[Mossberg]

The O2 sensors were cakewalk after I dropped the h pipe. They came out with a small amount of effort.

 

[ocelot]

So how did it go? Did you have to replace the bolts? Cause I just got a BBK Offroad H.

I haven't done it yet because i've got the extension long enough to do it but no swivel joint to get in there. I doubt that when I get one i'll need PB blaster or new bolts since they were replaced relatively recently. The stock exhaust was only on to pass emissions so it shouldn't be a big problem to get it back off once I actually get in there.

 

[Dragstr05]

I think what I used when I pulled my trans out was a 3/8" extension with a 3/8" universal swivel and a deep well socket. Just gotta have the right tools and its easy. If you think thats hard, try getting the top bolt off the starter. Now thats a PITA!