1998 Ranger 2.5L Exhaust manifold torque: FSM says 45-59, TRS says 14-21 ???

[rnsc]

The big green Ford 1998 Ranger Workshop Manual says 45-59 ft-lbs on page 303-01A-47 (Stage 1 15-16, Stage 2 45-59),

The Ranger Station Specifications page says 14-21!

Can anyone speak to this? I would normally consider both to be authoritative, yet that is quite a difference!

I *assume* that alot of people have used the 14-21: Any problems?

Has anyone done the 45-59 (52 nominal)? Any problems?

Any words of wisdom as to which would be a better gamble?

Thank you!

--Ray

 

[Dirtman]

59ft pounds seems awfully damn tight for exhaust manifold bolts... they are only what 5/16" studs? Going off a basic torque table for that size bolt/stud 20ft pounds is more appropriate.

 

[rnsc]

I'm new to car work. Just trying to follow directions! They are M10-1.5 (0.025 larger than 3/8").

Generic advise points me in the right direction. Good idea looking up generic torque values for M10-1.5 bolts. They agree roughly with your numbers (They are higher, but labeled as the maximum torque).

I loosened them and re-torqued them somewhat arbitrarily to 216 in-lbs (18 ft-lbs). Originally I torques them to 450 in-lbs (Three quarters of what ford said) or 37.5 ft-lbs because I slathered them with anti-seize. Boy, that felt like a lot less than the half. Must be OK!

Thanks for the help. About to put another one in for spark plugs, should be in about 8:15 EST.

--Ray