More Header Install Questions!

[98X5.0]

Okay, the fun has begun. I got this cow up on jack stands/jack etc, pulled the wheels, pulled the rubber splash shields and tore into things. First of all, my 80 year old grandmother could tighten bolts better than Ford. I broke out the 1/2" ratchet in expectation of some grunting when it came to the manifold studs/bolts. After almost turning the first one (passenger side front) out by hand, I proceded to wonder how I still managed to have all of them in place! No frikin' wonder these things leak. So all is going well until I get to the front most bolt on the drivers side. This is the one obscured by the AC compressor and seems to be impossible to reach. Thus makes problem number one: HOW DO I GET THIS BOLT OUT! Someone has to know the trick, and I hope it isn't to remove the compressor.

Problem number two: inboard passenger side collector bolt. What secret combination of tool/maneuver allows one to reach this bolt as well?

If anyone remembers how they got these suckers out, pass along the info and save me some cursing. I'll need all of that for the $*#&$* EGR tube.

 

[PUR PONY]

sorry but it has been about 3 years since i did mine so i dont really remember. I can say though that i never has to remove the a/c compressor.

If you are not going with stage 8 locking bolts(which are allen head) I would suggest putting allen head stainless bolts in. Thats what I did an it is much better.....that way you doing have the chance of rounding off the head of the bolts..

 

[RiverRat]

You can "move" the a/c compressor a few inches without discharging the system. Just unbolt it from the bracket.

 

[98X5.0]

PUR PONY: Yes, I'm putting the Stage 8 bolts on. I don't feel like "pullin' the flaps" every 3,000 miles just to snug the header bolts!

RiverRat: Thats what I thought I might have to do. All I need is an inch or so just to be able to get a socket on that sucker! Lord knows it won't be tight! The collector bolts on the other hand are going to require much cursing, scraped knuckles and lots of Kroil.

Thanks for the tips guys. If anyone has any others, post em!