Alright. Front V8 manifold bolt. How to Remove?

[Spartan]

OK, I'm balls deep into my driver's side exhaust manifold replacement on my 96 5.0 2WD. I can't get a socket on the front most manifold bolt to remove it! I've tried everything, even a 1/4 inch drive socket won't clear between the tube and the AC compressor bracket. Can't get a wrench or a crows foot on it. How the hell do I remove this!??? Pic for reference. The head is a 14mm.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

take the front dress off on that side???

 

[boominXplorer]

Take the heat shield off the back of the ac compressor

 

[Spartan]

Take the heat shield off the back of the ac compressor

Wait. That's a heat sheild and NOT the bracket!?? How does that come off?

 

[boominXplorer]

Wait. That's a heat sheild and NOT the bracket!?? How does that come off?

The shield on the back of the compressor is flexible aluminum, I think its only held on with 1 bolt if i remember correctly.

 

[Spartan]

The shield on the back of the compressor is flexible aluminum, I think its only held on with 1 bolt if i remember correctly.

Well hell. I just got off of work... I'm going to go see!

 

[Spartan]

Well **** that was easy. Got the manifold out, definitely was the exhaust leak!