remove y pipe from 90 4.0

[croatankid]

I will soon be removing my a4ld for rebuilding. I want to remove the y pipe to make it easier. I don't think the pipe has ever been removed. I think I'll end up in a 15 round fight to get it out. I already think I'll have to cut the fasteners and drill them out but it looks awfully tight up in there and I doubt I'll be able to get a hot wrench in there either. What has been your experience in getting the y pipe out?

 

[bobbywalter]

Cut or snap off bolts and clamp if totally rotted....


Otherwise full manifold replacement with bad ass stainless fasteners

 

[bobbywalter]

Handcuff clamps ..

 

[Shran]

Sometimes the bolts come out with an impact... Often they do not and break off. Then you have to drill out what's left and chase the threads or use a nut... Chasing threads under a car is about the least fun thing I've done, nut is my preference.

 

[Snoranger]

Take it to an exhaust shop, pay them to remove the Y-pipe and replace all the hardware...
Now go home and easily remove your Y-pipe with no issues.

 

[croatankid]

Thanks for all your replys.

 

[avid]

I will soon be removing my a4ld for rebuilding. I want to remove the y pipe to make it easier. I don't think the pipe has ever been removed. I think I'll end up in a 15 round fight to get it out. I already think I'll have to cut the fasteners and drill them out but it looks awfully tight up in there and I doubt I'll be able to get a hot wrench in there either. What has been your experience in getting the y pipe out?

When I replaced my engine a few years ago I used a reciprocating saw to cut the Y-pipe so I could get it out with the exhaust manifolds still attached. Once out, I was able to deal with everything a lot easier. Then I had a muffler shop weld it back together. One piece of advice if you go that route: mark your Y-pipe before you cut it so that it can be re-aligned exactly as it was before cutting. I didnt' do that, we had to eyeball its alignment, and ended up needing to re-cut, re-orient and re-weld it.