X-pipe install..Tools needed???

[kylebgt]

I always see post that say, all you need for a x-pipe install is some extensions to get to the passenger bolt. I have yet to come across a detailed description of EXACTLY what tools are needed for the job. Also is there a detailed writeup somewhere on how to do it? I have a X-pipe that has been sitting in my basement for 2 months now and I really need to get around to installing it. Thanks

 

[03redgtstang]

It really isn't hard to say how to do it, its just harder to actually do it. that's why theres not much of a detailed description. You don't really need alot. Someone will chime in on exact measurements. I want to say you will need 15 mm socket , 1/2 in. ratchet (maybe 3/8), a few extensions, wrench/02 sensor socket (be extremely careful removing the sensors) I highly recommend the night before or few nights before lubing up all the bolts. other than also some jackstands to hold it in place if you don't have a few other hands, not much else is needed. Its fairly simple.

 

[03redgtstang]

oh and bandaids and beer. the bandaids for your knuckles and the beer for when you realize how much of a bitch the manifold bolts are to get off.

 

[Superhereaux]

pretty straight forward

3/8 ratchet, numerous extentions of various lengths, a swivel, mid-length 15mm socket and some WD-40

i forget what size you need for the cat-back connection but you should have them. buy a new gasket for the passenger side as well

what X-pipe did you buy?

 

[03redgtstang]

ah yes the much needed swivel how soon I forget.

 

[Nightstick]

If you cannot find a mid-length socket(youll have to have it), take a deep well and cut it down. I used a pipe cutter, worked quite well.

 

[Twista]

its very easy..

all you need is.

PB Blaster (1 can) it works faster and way better than crappy Wd-40 for loosening up the header bolts

2 extensions (10inch extensions)

Use (1) Extension on the driver side to tighten it and unloosening it.
*Note* the more extensions you use the weaker the strength is to the bolt.

You need a swivel.. get (2) because you might break 1 if there cheap

You need a deep dish socket.. 18mm for my bolts, but everyone said it was 15mm so test it before you go buy the deep dish. Get 2 of these deep dishes just incase you break it trying to loosening up the header bolts.

A light source so you can see.

A gasket for the passenger side

thats it really.

i had many midpipes on my car and swapped them in all myself becept when removing my stock H. Its very easy and i can do it in little time now. The 1st time it took me hours, but i laugh at it now because how easy it is. The hardest part is just using muscle to break the header bolts... the rest is easy as pie.


just make sure you get a floor jack and jack the xpipe up abit than start tightening everything far as you can. Doing that will make it sit up higher. Or else you might scrap on bumps. So jack up the pipe when your tightening it up. Make sure you FINGER TIGHT EVERything when your just putting it together under your car. start at the header than go back and you should be good!

 

[2002GreyGT]

A set of Mechanix or similar gloves to prevent all those knuckles from getting bashed!

~K

 

[guitarpnk99]

+1 for mechanic gloves. If possible loosen the bolts with your hand open pushing with your palm so you don't throw a bitch fit.

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

you're all forgetting a 20mm wrench for the 02 sensors

 

[kylebgt]

Thanks for the input guys! I will probably do it after Christmas, I asked for a couple ramps. Do you guys think they're low enough or will I scrape?
http://www.autozone.com/selectedZip,52804/initialAction,accessoryProductDetail/initialR,NONAPP19841/shopping/selectZip.htm

 

[1992 2.3LX]

SOAK THE BOLTS FOR DAYS PRIOR TOO!!!

Use air tool if you can. I soaked my bolts for a day and used air tools and they were still a bitch.

 

[georgio440]

Are the bolts that bad? With some extensions and whatnot, I was able to remove the stock 10 year old exhaust off my old Dakota. Just took some manpower to break off the bolts, but it wasn't that bad.

 

[03redgtstang]

^^ The bolt itself yes it on there pretty damn good but the part that makes it so hard compared to the other side is the fact you need so many tools to get at the passenger side bolt, decreasing the amount of force applied to break it free. (extensions, swivel) It is in such a bad spot and so hard to get at, its not as easy as your other nuts and bolts on the car. Hence why people only b** and complain about the passanger side manifold bolts and no other bolts on the car lol.

 

[georgio440]

Look like I gotta buy a few tools then.

 

[03ghoststang]

you're all forgetting a 20mm wrench for the 02 sensors

22mm

 

[Twista]

^^ The bolt itself yes it on there pretty damn good but the part that makes it so hard compared to the other side is the fact you need so many tools to get at the passenger side bolt, decreasing the amount of force applied to break it free. (extensions, swivel) It is in such a bad spot and so hard to get at, its not as easy as your other nuts and bolts on the car. Hence why people only b** and complain about the passanger side manifold bolts and no other bolts on the car lol.

that bolt is not bad at all. People complain about it when its there 1st couple times doing an midpipe install.

once you start doing it for emissions each year or just swapping pipes its not a PITA at all. i just use (2) 10' extensions and a swivel and the bolt comes right off. Just gotta spray it with pb blaster 30 seconds before you try to remove it. If your using wb 40 i would wait awhile before trying to break it because from the times of me using WD40 on the header bolts i almost sprain something in my back trying to break it loose. But than i tried pb blaster and that bitch came right off.

But people do bitch about the starter bolt also.. theres on bolt thats in a bad place


I se rhino ramps (grey)for the front of the car and jack stands for the ass end. Its get the car nice and high for the install.

 

[Kornnut]

Spray the bolts with pb blaster then drive around a bit. Do this a few days before each day. Does wonders when you put a little heat to it.

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

22mm

awww touche

 

[georgio440]

Well, my midpipe is supposed to come today and I haven't really lubed up the bolts, but have the proper tools to get to the ones on the manifold. I'm gonna try it tonight and see if I've got the man power to do it.