heads & exhaust

[noel]

hi i am putting new heads back on my 98 ranger & was wondering whats easyer putting the heads on then the exhaust manafolds or putting the exhaust manafolds on the heads then putting them both on at the same time ????
thx noel

 

[richind]

I think it is easier to put the heads on without the manifolds. And it is better to do it that way. You want to be able to put the heads on without nicking the head gaskets in any way. The exhaust manifolds add weight, and make them more awkward to handle. You also want to properly torque the headbolts. Having the exhaust manifold already torqued to the head affects that process, since the head cannot "move" the way it should while this is done.

I just did this a few weeks ago and was worried I wouldn't be able to get the manifolds attached after the heads were installed. It wasn't an issue, although I did have the manifolds
in the engine bay leaning against the fender wells. There was enough room to do everything.

 

[Destroyer000]

put manifolds on first.. save your self the headache of trying to get to the bolts.. its not too bad to put the entire head back on. there are dowl pins that help line it up on the block.