Stuck Header Bolts.

[ShadowdogKGB]

I'm trying to remove the headers. Man, these bolts must be welded on. I rounded one of them already. I've tried using a propane torch to expand the metal but to no avail.

Does this mean I'm going to have to take the head off? Ugh! Grrr.....

PS. These are the stock header bolts that have been on there for 165,000 miles.

 

[Jason94sport]

Any stock header I have ever seen that needed to come off has had to be cut & drilled off.
Nature of the beast.

 

[ShadowdogKGB]

Can I take the heads off with the headers still attached?

 

[nitsuga]

Can I take the heads off with the headers still attached?

It'll probably cause more damage and be more of a hassle to do that. It could probably be done, but it seems like such a pain.

Personally, I'd try a penetrating lubricant, propane torch, and just drilling the *******s if all else fails.

 

[ShadowdogKGB]

Well, I'm just gonna pull the whole damn motor out then.

 

[Maniak]

I have removed heads before with the exhaust manifold still attached with no issues.

Since then I have been able to remove exhuast bolts with no issue. I always use anti-sieze but I'm also in southern az so I don't get rust.

~Mark

 

[ShadowdogKGB]

Thanks, I've thought about just pulling the heads but I'd rather just have the engine sitting there on a stand in front of me instead of breaking my knuckles. This thing is due for an overhaul anyways.

 

[rocket 5979]

I ran into this prob lem with my 93 Ranger not long ago. I got the bolts that I could out and then just cut the heads of the other ones off. Pulled my exhaust manifold off. Sprayed with PB Blaster off and on for a week. Then I took a propane torch and a large pair of Vice Grips to it. Even then it took some elbow grease, but I eventually got it. Good luck, that job sucked.

 

[ShadowdogKGB]

Is it possible to install the engine with the tranny already mounted?

 

[nitsuga]

Is it possible to install the engine with the tranny already mounted?

To the vehicle or to the engine?

It's usually typical that you have the transmission supported by a jack and installed for the most part to the vehicle. It's got to have some flex room for adjustments to make sure the shaft couples properly with the engine.

I imagine installing the engine and transmission would be quite a chore, involving removing most of the front end and some very precise alignment. I do hope that isn't what you're thinking of doing.

 

[Spdrcer34]

It's very difficult to get the motor, trans and transfer case installed at the same time...If you are 2WD, it's not a big deal. As the motor and transmission will slip right in.

Ryan

 

[ShadowdogKGB]

Thanks. I could do that with my dad's old '69 chevy pickup. Guess I won't try it on this one. I got the tranny out. Still workin' on the motor.

Who makes a good tranny jack? Or is there a way to make one? I used two jacks and some lumber. Needless to say it didn't work out that good. It's hard to balance. Gonna have to work up something to put it back in.

 

[Jason94sport]

There's no way to get the engine & trans out as 1 unit on a 4X4.

 

[Spdrcer34]

I just got a transmission jack adapter from Harbor Freight. It goes on top of a 2-3ton jack. It's adjustable, and has a chain that wraps around the transmission to keep it from falling.

Ryan