I was in the process of installing header's in my 2005 Dodge Dakota. Anyone have any suggestions on what kind of header gaskets to use.

I was told, from another member, that airram.com sells header gaskets that would make a good option. In fact, their description states that these are the best gaskets in the market at this time. I went with his advice, here it is:

http://www.airram.com/product.php?ca...&productid=292

Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated for anyone else that is considering ordering gaskets.

Thanks,

 

They look pretty good, but I've always heard that the best one's available are the actual Mopar gaskets. Suppose to compress really well to prevent leaks.
I used the cheap paper ones that came with the Pacesetters. I opened the box on a Sunday morning when I was gonna tackle the job and didn't feel like putting it off. About two years later and they are still fine, I check 'em every 3k when I check the bolts. If the bolts stay tight, the paper ones will hold up, but if they start to move, the paper rips and leaks occur.
I always figured to pick up a good filter if/when I had a problem and replace the bolts with the locking ones that Moe's Performance sells. But for now, if it ain't broke, I ain't gonna fix it...

 

well... ive been looking for a posting on headers.... couldnt seem to find one until now! i installed headers a while back and my advise is to definately change the factory y pipe while your at it! little bit of a pain but, thats a bigger issue with our (can i say here?) exhaust systems.... magnaflow has a really nice one! little bit of a pain to weld up but should be done unless you go (or went) true duals! dont forget to pick a nice um....shhhhhh....ut oh... muffler to finish off the setup!!!! sorry had too!!! to funny fellas!

 

The header gaskets from airram say they are mopar brand but do not state what they're made out of. The headers I purchased seem impossible to install, I am going to have to take it to a mechanic. Since I already purchased the exhaust, replacing the y-pipe is out of the question, thanks for the suggestion though.

Below is the setup I am trying to install:

Headers:
http://www.carparts.com/autoparts/It...37104811533562

Exhaust:
http://www.carparts.com/autoparts/Pr...oup?Ntt=gibson

All Gibson, it was advertised as "easy installation."



Maybe we should post a bunch of keywords so readers will not feel limited to what they can post.

 

those are the same headers i installed...mine are stainless though! they should bolt right up! it is kinda tight working in there...lots of wrench work and not alot of socket work. are you going threw the wheelwell? lose the tire and try that approach! good luck

 

I am having trouble getting the driver's side header in. There is no space for me to get that bolt in there. I first put the 4 bolts on the bottom, with the gasket on. I tried to slide the header in place and ended up bending the crap out of the gasket. Even doing it like that I have trouble accessing the bolts in order to tighten them. I did not remove the tire, maybe I will try that-I am feeling pretty discouraged at this point from working on this header myself, taking them off was a hassle in itself. How did you apply the correct torque on them? The manual states to put 30-35lbs. of torque.

 

What else did you remove? The instructions also state to remove the steering shaft. I was able to remove the manifold without removing this, I am wondering if you left or removed it. So, now I know that you removed the tire to install the header, anything else? Do you think the lift kit gave you an advantage on installing this?

 

it helped and hurt...i had issues with it hitting the steering extension...torquing was done by how hard i could push a wrench....its not that important as long as you apply even pressure on the gasket take it slow and try different angles of approach....

 

Yeah, I think the steering shaft is going to have to come out, if I give it another try. I also have a really hard time getting to the bottom bolts, I have not been able to get to them with the way this header is made.

 

Is there a way to lift the engine somehow with a jack? Can I do this by removing to motor mounts and jacking the engine, those 2 or 3 inches would make ahell of a difference.