Prep for exhaust removal

[Texplorer]

Im just bought a cat-back system and it will get here in a week. I asked the guy at the company if I need to put some penatrating lube on all the bolts to losen them up while Im waiting and he said no. The guy at auto-zone said yes. So what do ya'll think I should do.

 

[Jason_25]

You don't really need it, but it can't hurt. Mine was real rusted and within 5 minutes I got it off.

 

[yob_yeknom]

Use some penetrating oil on the bolts about half an hour before you install. Also use some silicone lube on the rubber hangers. Then re-oil and lube right before you do the install. It'll make things a lot easier. You will also want to go ahead and get a new donut gasket for the flange so you'll already have it on hand. You may want to also test remove the bolts with the built in springs at the flange. Mine were so rusted they basically crumbled apart and I had to order new ones from the dealership. It sucked waiting those days for them to arrive.

 

[Texplorer]

I went to go get the gasket today at the auto store and they didnt even know what it was. Then they looked it up and told me it wasnt necessary to have it. I guess I will have to go to Ford to get it.

 

[Texplorer]

I got the gasket from Ford today. The part number is F57Z-5B266-A. Can someone check that and tell me if it is the right one before I open the package and cant return it.

Thanks

 

[yob_yeknom]

I can't swear on the part number, but if it looks like this I'm pretty sure it'll be right.

 

[Texplorer]

The guy at Ford told me that was the gasket that goes before the cat. I need the gasket that goes after the cat. The one I got is oval in shape and flat .

 

[yob_yeknom]

If your's is flat, it must not be right. Talk to another person, there is NO gasket before the cat. Before the cat there is another cat and they are welded together, so no gasket.

Maybe the guy is dislexic (sp?). A flat gasket sounds like the one before the first cat, between the y-pipe and the first cat. Make sure he knows you mean the one after the second cat, between it and the muffler assembly.

That picture is from a '97 Ford service manual, and is showing the exact gasket I'm speaking of. The one on my '95 was exactly the same, so I doubt your '96 would be any different.

 

[kps36]

Everything John says is on the money. When I put the Borla on I went ahead and got the gasket (donut type looks like it is made of braided stel fiber). and The exhaust bolts and springs...just in case I broke one, I didn't but used them anywho. Spray bolts w/ P-oil and get a good breaker bar and at least a 1/2" sturdy handle rachet. That will help.
One hint..after trying to wrestle the factory exhaust off, I had to remove the pass rear shock at the bottom mount and it was able to slip right out. Oh, and to make it even easier, take out the spare, just gives more room to work.
I used Armor-all to lube up the rubber hangers.
OH, when you bolt up the the exhaust, alternate tightening the bolts so that they seat properly.
my experience and .02.

 

[Texplorer]

I went back to Ford and got the right gasket this time(I hope). The part # is E9TZ-5E241-A. Should I go ahead and just get new bolts and springs? I was thinking about doing that anyway.

Thanks for your help guys.

 

[yob_yeknom]

I'd go ahead and get them, just to be safe. They're not expensive, so it's no big deal.

Taking the spare out and letting the shock dangle does help a lot on getting the old one out.

 

[espnfreak]

I got my Borla on after I took off the spare tire, and rear shock and tire. I had 4 hangars, and lots of WD40 was used to loosen everything. That stuff works wonders.