Having lots of trouble with BBK o/r H-pipe install.

[Highway High]

I bought some off road bbk h-pipes a while back, and have still not been able to get them on. There is only one bolt that is easy to get to, the others I simply can not get to them. Anybody have any advice? I'm not super mechanic either. I really desperately want these bad boys on my car, they're just sitting in my garage, collecting dust. Someone please! Help! Any tips to make this process fairly easy? I mean I seriously spent a good 2 hours under my car, trying to figure out a way to get to, let alone loosen the other 3 bolts. I actually tried to do the only really visible one, and it snapped, so I had to get an exhaust shop to drill it out, and put in a bolt. I just am frustrated. I am desperate to get these things on though. All help is welcome and appreciated.

Logan

 

[1990LXDropTop]

What do you mean you can only get to one of the bolts??? How is that possible? Is your tranny the size of an elephant or something? In other words.... LOL.... I think you need to go to autozone and pick up a good quality socket wrench set with some extensions.... Good luck

BTW, my BBK o/r h-pipe took my 20 minutes to install. Fit like a glove.

 

[Black 93 Fox]

I think I know what your talking about. On the drivers side its real hard cause of the cat's right? If your car is a 5-speed then you can take off that black cover that covers the clutch cabel there is only one bolt holding it on. That will give you more room on the drivers side. For the passengers side all you need is a extension. Also make sure you let them set in some WD-40.

Black 93 Fox

 

[Highway High]

I have an aod. On the passenger side there is the o2 sensor in the way, but there isn't really even enough room to get a wrench in there and loosen it. not to mention this is a 175k mile car. I'm probably going to end up cutting the hpipe off to make a bit more room. The biggest issue is this, I have to go to work tonight. If I cut the exhaust, what happens if I break the header/h-pipe stud(they're rusty as hell)? I certainly can't drive to work with open headers. Anyways, will some liquid wrench and wd40 significantly help loosen up those bolts? Sorry this is all basic, I just really am not mechanically inclined at all.

Logan

 

[Daggar]

A set of universal sockets (not a universal and socket) at the end of a looooooooong extension usually gets me in there too. I've also used a chain of extensions to get at bolts from time to time. All the connections allow you wiggle room where a solid extension won't bend etc... Don't know if the bolt you're referring to was one of those I've used that on.

 

[Black 93 Fox]

I have an aod. On the passenger side there is the o2 sensor in the way, but there isn't really even enough room to get a wrench in there and loosen it. not to mention this is a 175k mile car. I'm probably going to end up cutting the hpipe off to make a bit more room. The biggest issue is this, I have to go to work tonight. If I cut the exhaust, what happens if I break the header/h-pipe stud(they're rusty as hell)? I certainly can't drive to work with open headers. Anyways, will some liquid wrench and wd40 significantly help loosen up those bolts? Sorry this is all basic, I just really am not mechanically inclined at all.

Logan

For the o2 sensors you just take thoes out cause your going to need to swap them to the new pipe anyways. Be careful cause they are fragile and expensive to replace. Yes Wd-40 can help but the bolts still can break. You cant get in there with a wrench you have to use extenions and sockets. Since you have a AOD I would think you would have more room.

Black 93 Fox

 

[Highway High]

So I really got under there, and I think I'm going to be able to get at the bolts. My biggest concern now is breaking the bolts. Is it easy to ghetto rig a clamp in case the header studs do break? Thanks again.

Logan

 

[Highway High]

So I got it all soaking in wd40. I tried giving the passenger side o2 sensor a shot, but no luck on that. It just won't budge. Still waiting for my friend to get here with deeper sockets so I can give the header studs a whirl. If anyone else wants to give me some advice on what you did. Any tricks that make it easier...

Logan

 

[zadan]

I got some Wicked Nut Rust Buster from Walmart, sprayed that on (when I say sprayed that on, I mean SOAKED it) and let sit for 30 minutes. Then I used a 1/2 breaker bar socket wrench with a 6" extension and a swivel adapter on a deep socket. If you lie down with your feet sticking out just under the license plate, then you can put the socket over top the old H-pipe with the swivel socket and a huge breaker bar will knock it loose.

Good luck

 

[Project86]

PB blaster on the rusty crap...then use 1/2 drive rachet, long 1/2 extention, 1/2 universal, 1/2 to 3/8 adapter, and a 3/8 long socket. I use this for all four bolts every time. Some you go over the pipes, some under, but there is an angle to get each one. The good news is the install of your new pipe is way easier without the stupid cats in the way. Also, if you got some extra cash or your O2's are old enough to replace. Smash em out of your way with a hammer and get new ones for your new pipe. They should break right off.

 

[5spd GT]

I just used a set of extensions and a swivel socket and when you mix and match the right combination...you shouldn't have any problems...

Just spray some wd40-liquid wrench or the equivalent and go at it...Just put some of your torque into it and they should just break right loose...

Good Luck

 

[bmorrisj]

take off the right front tire.... you should be able to get to the bolts through the "triangle" in the frame.....