Wow, x-pipe install sucks!

F8Lstang

Member
Dec 6, 2003
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I guess I'm too weak or something, but I cant budge ANY of the header bolts. They are all frozen with rust, it sucks. looks like I'm gonna have to pay for an install :\
 
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oneyedstang said:
try hosing them down with some WD-40 or similar product. Also get a friend or your dad or someone to help and have them hold the top bolt still while you try to turn it from under the car
I used a ton of rust desolver, no luck. my ramps aren't high enough either so f it.
 
let the stuff soak in for a night, then get long extensions so you can put everything you got into it, I did mine on my garage floor with ramps so It can be done Im 6'2" 200 my butt fit under there and got it done, just have patience. I used this stuff called Tufoil, let mine sit for two days and they came right off. also make sure you haveone of those universal joint lookin things for your socket it will help you get in there better.

Oh yeah make sure you soak the hangers too. or if you know you're not going back to stock and your kit came with new hangers cut em off with bolt cutters, it saves a lot of time

Good luck
 
Soak everything that is going to move what so ever with a good penetrating lubercant. I work in a shop, the best stuff so far for breaking loose bolts and rust is PB Blaster, plus it smells good. Not that it matters, but I just thought I would add that :D Let is soak for a while, even overnight and just keep it soaked, it will seep down in the grooves.

It's all about tools and knowing how to use them. Use a ratchet with a longer handle. Just a few inches can make all the difference. A swivel and a long extention helps also. There isn't a bolt under the car I couldn't break loose with my Snap-on 3/8ths ratchet, if it doesn't break loose, it will break, gauranteed.
 
lets see all my H pipe to muffler bolts snapped in half and when I tried to get a bolt off for the H pipe to headers that bolt broke too so I was like screw this..I was taking off my H pipe to install a new tranny crossmemeber
 
It can be done, I've swapped my Hpipes 3 times all by myself, with a ratchet and pipe extension and lots of WD-40. The last time I did it in my garage with the front jacked up on jackstands. Very tight fit because I'm 5'11" 200lbs but I still managed to do it. But if you got a set of decent ramps than definately go for it.
 
I did my 88 LX this summer and ramped the front and jackstands on the back and had plenty of room.I had an air impact with long extensions and u joint adapters to make the bends and got along just fine.You might try to borrow someones electric impact,it might work just as well.
 
Just use a little force...I'm 6'3'' and 220 I didn't have problems and I'm just average strength...I think taking off any midpipe is pretty easy...if you have the room and a good swivel to get a better angle on the bolt...and mine just "backed" on out...good luck...

David
 
90mustangGT said:
There isn't a bolt under the car I couldn't break loose with my Snap-on 3/8ths ratchet, if it doesn't break loose, it will break, gauranteed.

You're right. Thats exactly what my Snap-On 3/8" ratchet did. :nonono:

Anyway, I always use 1/2" drive tools when working on my header bolts because I have to use at least 18" worth of extension. If the 1/2" ratchet wont do it, the 20" beaker bar will. Also, it wasnt mentioned whether or not the headers in question are stock. If they are, then either the nut will come off the stud or the whole stud will unscrew from the header collector flange. That or one of the above will break.