I have a 99 5.9 Rango and im going to try to take off the stock exhaust manifolds and studs to install a set of shorty headers. Ive never done this before but have reserached a ton but I am worried about breaking some studs inside the head. My truck has 140,000 miles and I live in southern california, the original owner had the truck in Utah so idk how "rusty" these places are haha. But for anyone who has ever done this how hard were the studs to take out and what would you say the likely hood of some studs breaking would? be

 

It's not the worst thing in the world, but you will more than likely break at least one stud. Go to your local Wal-Mart or parts store and invest in 2 or 3 cans of PB Rust Penetrator. Before you even think about breaking the first bolt, drown all of the studs and bolts with the PB, let it soak for 5-10 minutes and repeat, about 10 times or until you feel comfortable loosening them.

Even this way is possibly going to break a stud but it will be far less likely of one breaking.

 

Take your time with them. Make sure u have a full weekend to dedicate just in case. Also don't forgot the old basic tricks of not breaking bolts, loosen a turn, tighten a few turns. Always seems to help with my stubborn NW Indiana bolts

 

thanks guys. Ive been using Wd-40 for now but I will get some PB blaster, seems like thats recomended more. I havent ordered the headers yet but I am oiling up those bolts everyday until the headers get here.

 

Good idea and just make sure you use a good 12 point socket.

 

or get a 6 point......
Get pb on it soon, that stuff works really well. WD-40 is a cleaner and only lubes for a short time as it is made of fish oils.

 

+1

WD-40 is a cleaner not really any type of actual lubricant. You want a penetrating oil like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench.

 

Thanks a ton for the positive advice, makes me wanna get those headers on right now!

 

Actually... Just found this out, WD-40 does make a rust penetrator, part of their new "Specialist" line I guess.

http://www.wd40specialist.com/products/penetrating-oil/

 

After reading this I think headers will be my next project after rims and tires are purchased since I have a massive exhaust leak where the exhaust connects to the manifold on the drivers side and one of the studs has corroded to about half of its original diameter so I have been kinda afraid to try to tighten it because I don't want to snap the stud and make it worse.