I have a 99 7.3 and I'm having clearance issues between my new 4 inch turbo down pipe and the oil gallery plug on the back of the passenger side cylinder head. I searched everywhere for this and cannot find it anywhere. Everything lines up and seals but it touches at that point. I'm at work so I don't have pictures yet. Has anyone ever seen something like this before? Should I pull the down pipe and "adjust" it with a ball peen hammer? It's a bear to get up there but of course I want it to be right. Thanks

 

I recently installed a 4" MBRP turbo-back exhaust. I did not have downpipe clearance issues but it b-a-r-e-l-y fit through along the firewall. I had some issues with clearing the transmission and return line along with lining it up at the tip (ended cutting the hangar off). While I was Google-ing those issues I did come a cross a post from someone with a similar issue as yours. He marked the spot, removed the pipe, and used a ball peen hammer to put a small crease/indent in the pipe to clear the bolt/plug he had the issue with.

 

Is this an issue on the Early 99 trucks?

 

I guess so, IIRC the E99 have a lower pedestal so that would make sense. I guess I need to remove and do some handy work. Hammer it is then, thanks guys.

 

Put the pipe in, mark the pipe where it makes contact and remove. Take a ball peen hammer to the area and tap it until you get the desired clearance you want.

Hot rodders been doing it for years.

Fast and easy

 

That's exactly what I ended up doing. I just wish I could unsee the soot on the up pipes while I was in there.