Hey guys, I don't have a powerstroke, but I'm putting a 3" downpipe on my truck and I have to bend back the seam on the firewall just like you fellas do.

So, I wanted to pick your brains and ask how you guys did it? I worked on it the other day with some vise grips and a piece of pipe. I bent back the outer edge of it, but it looks like it could use a little more.

I noticed that with enough force, the floor pan flexes instead of the seam bending. I was thinking about cutting it in a couple spots to make it easier to bend, but wasn't sure if that was a good idea...

 

Yes you can cut it (sawsall ?spell) in 3-4 spots and it will bend easily.

 

Most don't cut it. 2x4 long enough to get some leverage, Porto power , or slide the cab back a bit ,if you have room...

 

Many use a pipe or long 2x4 or a duck bill attachment on a porta power

 

Well like I said...I was using a long piece of 2 1/4" pipe with a bend in it, and when you really put force on it, the floorpan just flexed.

 

Bend it down (or up) first,then put the pressure on it,,The firewall may bend , but it won't stay bent....



We assumed that you already showed it where to bend....

 

Here are the instructions:

http://www.drivetrain.com/downpipeinstinstr.html

 

I didn't like trying to bendthe wall a long pipe. Kept popping off the v between the common rail and the valvecover. Since i don't have aport-a-power I took the small screwjack from my wife's camry. It fit perfect between the wall and the bell and opened the tunnel up with little effort.

 

Hey, that's not a bad idea! Might have to try that. I sure don't have a port-a-power.

 

[QUOTE=RÖENTGEEP]Here are the instructions:

http://www.drivetrain.com/downpipeinstinstr.html[/QUOTE]

excellent direactions
one concern though: that cut in Fig 3 is darn close to the turbo outlet. dont metal shavings get into the turbo when that cut is made with a reciprocating saw? I'd be real nervous making that cut.

 

any shavings at the downpipe connection will be blow out when you start the truck.

 

i got mine in with a big hammer a piece of pipe and screwdriver to beat on and a sawzall

 

Do the IDI turbo trucks have the same pancake pipe?

 

Cut the seam on either side of where the dp goes. Then it's alot easier to bend back. If you need more room, cut about 3/8 to 1/2 into the floor pan and firewall. It will stay bent then. I had to do that on No.3. Little high temp silicone and you are good to go. Just my .02.