So I was able to remove my driver's side exhaust manifold and only 2 studs broke. Luckily they are two that are pretty easy to get to and they didn't break flush. I have tried a vice grip but can't get a good grip on it. I tried screwing 2 nuts on it but there is not enough room for 2. I ordered a stud remover online but the website was very misleading. It said it would ship next day and now 3 days later it still has not shipped and I don't have another 3 days to wait for delivery. I can't weld, so I was thinking of taking it to the shop. He quoted me $160 to remove the two studs. This is alot but it's far better than the $1000 I was originally quoted to change the manifold. The shop is about 10 mins drive away. My question is whether it is safe to drive there with no manifold or whether I would need a tow?

 

My opinion, is slap the manifold back on snug and drive it that way, I wouldn't drive it without the manifold, you could burn it up maybe set the wiring and stuff on fire.

 

Vice-grips do not seem to work very well in this application - a small pipe wrench did the trick for me.

 

Have you tried a small torch. Sometimes heat will let the rust go. And a good pinertrant (sp). No wd40 a good wicking one like kroil. I have even taped the end with a hammer and got it to jar it loose. Good luck

 

I was finally able to get a bolt extractor from the parts store. I hit it w map gas and liquid wrench and they came right out. I installed it, started it up and it was louder than before. I was pretty upset until I realized I didn't screw the **** thing into the manifold (egr valve?). The truck now sounds great and is running fine. Overall a pain but better than paying a shop. I think I was lucky as my studs weren't too bad to get out. Anyways on to the next project, thx for the help.

 

What motor do you have in your truck?