What have you done to your square lately??

[Strick]

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[1lejohn]

Replaced the driver's side header gasket. It had been bad for a while. The truck sounds so much better now.

 

[JamesSam]

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Thanks Harold @Strick . The eyelet hanging from the filler neck in the 1st photo attaches to the side frame, correct?

 

[Strick]

Bed cross-rail. Here’s an underneath shot. Use the fuel fill door for reference.

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[JamesSam]

Bed cross-rail. Here’s an underneath shot. Use the fuel fill door for reference.

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Thanks!!

 

[JamesSam]

So I started taking the u bolts off either side of the cat. I had PB Blaster soaking on them since yesterday. While I got those free easily it seemed like it will be quite difficult to free this cat. I sprayed the next set of u bolt nuts with the Blaster to soak while I get the kids to practice. I am thinking with that u bolt free also there may be more room for moving it around.

Does it look like I will have a chance to get this thing out without cutting exhaust pipe or taking further lengths of the exhaust out?

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[ChuckN]

So I started taking the u bolts off either side of the cat. I had PB Blaster soaking on them since yesterday. While I got those free easily it seemed like it will be quite difficult to free this cat. I sprayed the next set of u bolt nuts with the Blaster to soak while I get the kids to practice. I am thinking with that u bolt free also there may be more room for moving it around.

Does it look like I will have a chance to get this thing out without cutting exhaust pipe or taking further lengths of the exhaust out?

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Doesn’t *look* that bad. Get that clamp off and then give it a good wiggle. Just depends on how much the crimp created by the clamp wants to hold on.

You could try a thin punch/chisel to try to spread the pipe back out, maybe heat it up some too.

 

[JamesSam]

Doesn’t *look* that bad. Get that clamp off and then give it a good wiggle. Just depends on how much the crimp created by the clamp wants to hold on.

You could try a thin punch/chisel to try to spread the pipe back out, maybe heat it up some too.

Good looks there Chad, thank you. My Uncle told me to try almost the exact same process. I'm gonna see what I can do tomorrow.

 

[Camar068]

Oh let's see...
* Finally got my timing about right.
* It finally starts and runs great...and...
* Starter stopped working - tapped it with a hammer and it works again. That may be on the menu to fix soon.
* Drove it around with the parking brake on. SOOO, Finally installed the parking brake release lever so I wouldn't keep forgetting.
* swapped my slider window with a solid window. That was a chore. I'll have to redo it once I get ready for paint.
* fixed roll up windows. Both windows now roll up and down smooth.
* Installed dumbo mirrors (although I intend to install new doors - I figured it would be nice to give it tryout position).
* Now that it had a sealed rear window, I gave it it's first wash. It still leaks on every other window though

S

So I started taking the u bolts off either side of the cat. I had PB Blaster soaking on them since yesterday. While I got those free easily it seemed like it will be quite difficult to free this cat. I sprayed the next set of u bolt nuts with the Blaster to soak while I get the kids to practice. I am thinking with that u bolt free also there may be more room for moving it around.

Does it look like I will have a chance to get this thing out without cutting exhaust pipe or taking further lengths of the exhaust out?

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personally, I hate clamps because the rust and get stuck and require cutting. The fight to me isnt worth the time and labor for an attempt thats highly probable to fail and a PITA on manifolds.....unless you can weld.

Since lesson learned, I take it to a welder and tell them to weld it front to back. If I get a leak, exhaust/welder shop fix it for under $35. Engine swap, cut where needed and drive open to welder to fix or use clamps to ensure things are right....then to the welder for $35 to weld em back together.

No cost if you know how to weld.

In short, clamps and header/manifold to exhaust bolts suck ass, in the hardest damn place to reach and I don't have time for it....same with exhaust manifold gaskets. Get the $h|t out my way.....then fix it later for a small cost.

Just my opinion, My name's Paul....this's between ya'll.

 

[Grit dog]

So I started taking the u bolts off either side of the cat. I had PB Blaster soaking on them since yesterday. While I got those free easily it seemed like it will be quite difficult to free this cat. I sprayed the next set of u bolt nuts with the Blaster to soak while I get the kids to practice. I am thinking with that u bolt free also there may be more room for moving it around.

Does it look like I will have a chance to get this thing out without cutting exhaust pipe or taking further lengths of the exhaust out?

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I wouldn’t bother saving the cat if it were me. It’s obviously not original and may be fine, but whatever. Just replace it with a straight pipe. Win win. Don’t let the little stuff get in the way of progress!

 

[JamesSam]

I wouldn’t bother saving the cat if it were me. It’s obviously not original and may be fine, but whatever. Just replace it with a straight pipe. Win win. Don’t let the little stuff get in the way of progress!

1)The only reason I would replace the cat is because I assume VA law would say I need to. And yes I have been looking at general replacement cats for a cut job if necessary. 2) The goal, currently, is to replace the drivers side tank.

 

[ChuckN]

1)The only reason I would replace the cat is because I assume VA law would say I need to. And yes I have been looking at general replacement cats for a cut job if necessary. 2) The goal, currently, is to replace the drivers side tank.

Looks like you’re exempt. https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicl...or,required when renewing these registrations.

 

[JamesSam]

Looks like you’re exempt. https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/emissions#:~:text=Vehicles 25 years old or,required when renewing these registrations.

Wow. What does this mean for horsepower if i go straight pipe? Will it sound different?

 

[JamesSam]

Ok what tool will I need to to clamp in a long straight pipe with a coupling section on each end? I am planning to rent a pipe cutting hand tool from O reilly today when I pick up my new tank and sending unit. While I'm there I am going to hopefully find a straight pipe and 2 coupling pipes.

 

[Redfish]

Wow. What does this mean for horsepower if i go straight pipe? Will it sound different?

You won't gain much, possibly not even enough to feel. Unless of course it is badly plugged, which might actually be your entire problem.
It will sound different...better or worse depends on your opinion.
Since yours is TBI with the smog(air) pump you may get some other issues...you may not.

If it were my truck and that was in the way of one side I would probably start with the other side to see if that fixes or helps. It looks awful on the outside...I would probably be thinking about an aftermarket, free flowing option.

I understand that folks just love stealing them to the point of shooting and killing to get them.