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Installing Headers

Old Apr 3, 2013 | 10:02 AM
  #1  
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Installing Headers

I am ready to install headers on my 96 Bronco with 5.0. The only other truck I ever put headers on was a 72 Blazer (a little different).
Any Dos and Don'ts or advice anyone would like to lend is NEEDED.
Like for instance do I need to jack the motor up any? I hope to get this done over the weekend cause this is my everyday transportation.

Thanks!!!
 
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Old Apr 3, 2013 | 02:59 PM
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My only advice: open the engine bay and take a good look at the manifolds, size and bolt location to figure out how you're going to work on it. Since I've changed my own spark-plugs I can tell you most of the bolts (studs?) of the manifold will be relatively easy to get to, it's taking out the manifolds which could be bothering. Soak the bolts in your favorite liquid wrench and have a power tool at hand, I've been told that's the easiest way not to break any of the bolts, take care and a lot of patience. Have steel or copper manifold gaskets to avoid exhaust leaks and get ARP hardware to bolt in the headers.
 
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Old Apr 3, 2013 | 03:32 PM
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Like encho said. I was recommended to use 50/50 trans fluid and acetone in a spray bottle because it works really well as a penetrating fluid. And hopefully you don't but if you have to tap them make sure you soak it really well then try to use a easy out but last resort is drilling it out. (My very front bolt on the passenger side has a 1/2 bolt with a 3/4" head on it -_-
 
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Old Apr 4, 2013 | 01:07 AM
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Make certain that changing to headers won't remove any O2 sensors. The system will not be happy if they aren't there.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2013 | 10:19 AM
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Thanks for everybodies help and suggestions.
But has anyone installed headers and run into any problems? Say something they wished they would have done different?
 
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Old Apr 4, 2013 | 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by LAbronc
Thanks for everybodies help and suggestions.
But has anyone installed headers and run into any problems? Say something they wished they would have done different?
All I could suggest is spend the extra and get a set of GOOD headers. JBA for example. I think Edelbrock makes a set for Broncos still. Keep all the smog stuff INTACT. Find a set that you like and then google the part number. You'll be surprised what you can find on other sites like Amazon.
Other than that, take lots of pics if you have never done your application before. GOOD LUCK!!
 
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Old Apr 4, 2013 | 02:54 PM
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Matt ,to make my job easier I removed the inner(plastic )fender wells, making access a lot easier . Everything went well until I got to the bolt on the passengers side (far back).THats when the nightmare started .USe all the previous advice stated above ,patience TR
 
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 11:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Black Ford XLT
Matt ,to make my job easier I removed the inner(plastic )fender wells, making access a lot easier . Everything went well until I got to the bolt on the passengers side (far back).THats when the nightmare started .USe all the previous advice stated above ,patience TR
I agree. I also used a small torch to heat bolts before removing them and still broke 3 of the longer ones.
 
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 06:21 AM
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La , i installed , bassani headers ,and after not being able to free the last bolt i use a dremel tool to cut it flush with the block and drilled it out.Thats where it got nighmarish. i tried heat, cold (freeze it)pb blaster kroil wd 40.silicone, and many other lubs .Seems nothing helped but a drill motor , all others came out fairly well.Good luck TR
 
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