Clutch replacement...exhaust?!?!?

[yyc_tbird_sc]

Is there anyone that has done a clutch replacement on a '97 Ranger that has not had to take half of the entire exhaust system out? I'm trying to avoid breaking rusty bolts if I don't have to.....any tips? Thanks

*EDIT* it's on a '97 Ranger, 4.0L, 4x4 with a manual transfer case

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Whats the problem your running into? I took the transmission out of my 84' but i had to take the y pipe off at the manifolds and push it down to clear the transmission.

 

[yyc_tbird_sc]

LOL....only problem...I hate rusty bolts. I've had bad luck with them in the past. I sprayed them last night, and will hit them again this morning, then lots of heat later on from a MAPP torch. Out comes the y-pipe....

Maybe I'll see what a set of headers are worth while I'm there...

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Lol well getting the y pipe off is one thing... from what i hear Headers are a whole nother story.

 

[yyc_tbird_sc]

Well....the bolts where the y-pipe meet the cats are siezed completely. They may come out later with the use of a grinder and drill, but for now I took the entire y-pipe and cats out. Thank goodness for the skyjacker transmission crossmember, it comes out with just a couple bolts....

The transfer case was a pain in the a$$....the dowel pin was siezed and had to pry at it for about 45min, but it got scared when I pulled out the torch LOL

Onto the fun part of unbolting the transmission and attemping to lower it out of the truck without crushing my face...

I may do a write up on this...

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Ehh... ranger transmissions are LIGHT! lol. and it should have centering pins to to hold it up.

Wear a Hockey mask though... just incase.

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

Cut the y-pipe, do your work, then weld it back up. I've done it to mine like 4 times.

 

[AllanD]

I'm more of the "plan ahead" school of thought.

I take it apart when it's convenient to ME and helicoil everything in sight.

My Y-pipe to manifold bolts will come out.

As will the bolts holding my cat to the Y-pipe.
Those bolts are actually made of Monel and I used stainless steel nuts on them
(these will NOT corrode or seize together)



AD

 

[Spitfire1975]

What is Monel? I will be taking my exhaust apart and want to put the right stuff back in for the next timed I change things.

 

[rcampbell]

What would be the chance of getting the pipes loose at the manifolds and the just loosen all the hangers so that the exhaust stayed as one piece?

 

[yyc_tbird_sc]

That's what I wound up doing....took the y-pipe off at the manifolds, and then after the cats at the connector. Dropped out easy enough, although I did soak everything in penetrating oil...