Hey guys I know this has been talked about so much. Anyway on the passenger side of my 2000 Expedition 5.4 it seems that there is a bolt broken, its still there but it seems lose that I could move it if I push on it really hard. So I was going to take it to the dealer to fix, I was going to fix it myself but I know it takes a long time esp. if the bolts break off I dont think I can finish it in one day? It wont fit in my garage I have a really small door.
So about how much am I looking at to fix this? They should replace both sides right? Also are they going to use the same bolts/studs or are they going to use stainless steel ones?
I just want to know what you think a fair price is.
Thanks ~Gage~

 

If you take it to a dealership its going to be a very pricey repair. I would buy some new mani's or headers off Ebay and install them yourself. It will probably take a good portion of the day to complete the entire job, but if you take your time and use lots of WD-40 you shouldnt have any problems.

 

Ya I was thinking of that I really like Gibson headers but there $560 im sure there worth it. Im going to the dealer today Ill let you know what they say.
Thanks ~Gage~

 

I got BBK shorty headers and the install wasnt that bad, you will have to remove dipstick/starter/ possible front driveshaft though to get the headers in.

I didn't notice any change from these shorty headers though... Just my .02cents

 

Ok guys I went to the dealer and I dont think im going to let them do it. It seems like all there going to do is try to take the bolts without any WD-40 or PB Blaster. So they told me that if they break any bolts they would take the heads out and drill them out with the heads off. Sounds like alot of work and $$$$.
Any thoughs on this?
Thanks ~Gage~

 

Yeah the dealership isnt gonna take their time a ease them out with penetrating oil. I called my local dealership and they wanted like $600 bucks just to replace the passenger side, and also told me they would charge me for any extra labor from tapping out broken bolts etc. I have seen OEM style manifolds on Ebay for like $45 shipped so I would soak the studs daily with WD-40 for like three days and dedicate a full day to getting down and dirty with the ol truckie!

 

Spreston2001, did you replace both sides?
~Gage~

 

I had 3 bolts rusted through on exhaust and just removed remaining bolts and manifold and used a stud remover to remove the stud left after the head rust's off. I installed a set of Gibson Shorty Headers. all done over weekend

 

cbradford, How do you like the Gibson headers, I already have their cat-back system that I really like.
Thanks ~Gage~

 

Hey Gage I replaced the pass side myself and had a local mechanic do the drivers side for $100 bucks considering I didnt have the time needed to do it. Truck is alot smoother now.

 

Yea GAGE I do like my Gibson Headers ( Ceramic Coated) bolted right on , all Stainless hardware, used gaskets that came with headers and all for about $550 bucks delivered 2 years ago,now all I need is a CAT back system. How do you like the Gibson CAT back system?

 

cbradford, I like the Gibson exhaust very much, I have their Stainless Steel dual exhaust.
Did you do the headers yourself? How hard was it?
Thanks ~Gage~

 

Yea did the headers myself over a weekend, just need to remove inner fender wells and work from side and underneath with plenty room to work, biggest problem was EGR tube was very rusted ( might want to replace ) I used lots of WD-40 and Torch to get apart with out destroying , otherwise was a strait forward installation. Hope this helps

 

Thanks cbradford, I dont know when im going to do this, Im just worried that some of the bolts might just snap off. Did you use MAPP gas?
~Gage~

 

Gage I have an Oxy&Acy torch set, none of mine snapped off but I did have three that the head rusted off that I removed with stud remover