The next project on the list to get my 03 Dakota Quad cab pack into the best condition I can is to work on the exhaust manifolds. There is significant noise coming from the passenger side manifold. I can see at least one broken stud, heat shield hanging free, etc. I am assuming that the manifold has warped and it is my intent to replace the manifold/gasket. I've been reviewing all the suggested procedures for extracting the broken stud. Does anyone have any suggestion on what method is better than the others? Any recommendations on replacement manifolds?

Thanks in advance!

- Mark -

 

Is this a 4.7L you have?

 

3.9 v6

 

OOoh...not fun. Maybe you'll get lucky and broke off with some sticking out. Otherwise, there isn't much room to get to it with drills and such. You may have to pull the head and get a machine shop to get it out.

 

Yeh that is sort of my fear!

 

When we used to do a bunch of them at the dealer, we had this guy who was an incredible welder (compared to me anyway) He would weld a nut onto the end of the bolt that was broken off flush. I can't remember what he used for filler. Worked like a champ.

 

It's not hard to weld a nut to it all you need is a mig welder a steady hand and patience. Allow it to properly cool and it should work.