Disconnecting stock mid pipe problems

[ryan281]

I have a 2003 gt and im trying to replace my mid pipe but i cant get off one of the bolts on the passenger side off that connects the manifold to the mid pipe. Any one have any suggestions?

 

[007]

. Sorry. Was going to say heat it with a torch, but i dont know if thats wise if theres anything flammable nearby.

 

[joshjwc9]

The starter is right there too. I'd disconnect the battery, soak the thing in PB Blaster or comparable, wait 10 minutes and give it one more try before resorting to heat.

 

[ryan281]

Is there any special socket you can use? Because my deep well hits the frame before its completly on the nut

 

[joshjwc9]

I think you need a swivel to get really on there. Do a google search for the true extension lengths and swivel to be sure though.

Oh and make sure you have a midpipe gasket replacement from Ford. Or the part store equivalent:

Felpro/Exhaust Flange Gasket (61203) | 1999 Ford Mustang GT 8 Cylinders X 4.6L SFI SOHC | AutoZone.com

 

[ryan281]

Thanks ill look into that

 

[sneaky98gt]

Yea, I was gonna ask: Can you not get it off, as in, it's stuck? Or can you just not get to it?

I think a swivel is practically required to get it off. It goes: nut > socket > extension > swivel > extension > ratchet.

I can't remember the exact length extensions I've used, but if you have a few to play around with, and do it the way I just mentioned, you should be able to get onto it pretty easily. Now if it's just stuck solid on there, that can be a pain. So far, the couple of cars I've taken the stock midpipe off of haven't given me any problems with them once I get the socket on there.

One piece of advice: DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. I didn't one time, and my ratchet slipped and caused one of the extensions to smack the hot wire on the starter. I think I pooped a little. Won't ever make that mistake again.

 

[bhuff30]

Impact wrenches are invaluable when doing exhaust work (at least when taking things apart).

 

[03_TrueBlue_GT]

You are going to need a socket wrench, a few beers, a buddy to help get the stock midpipe out, an extension, 3/8ths swivel attachment and a 5/8 socket to get the job done. The driver side is the easiest to do and I usually do it first then work my way to the passenger. you will want to us wd 40 or another form of lubricant to loosen the bolts on there. On my car the bolts came off fairly easily and didn't take much effort to get off strangely so the previous owner may have had an aftermarket midpipe on it so your may or may not need much effort. Hope this helps...

 

[SteedaGT9150]

As everyone else said you need to use a swivel.

Is that you ryan?

 

[twogts4us]

As above, and I used masking tape to hold the extensions somewhat rigid (not droopy, if you catch my drift...!)

 

[ryan281]

I had to buy a 9/16 swivel socket and i was finally able to get a good bite on it and i dont have an impact or a torch so i tried doing it by hand and snapped a 3/8 extension in half.So I took it to a shop, but thanks for the input