So, I ran into another issue on my Crew Cab build. Its a 1975 F250 4x4 Crew Cab with 390 FE and C6 automatic.

After installing the front drive shaft I noticed that there is very little clearance between the drive shaft and the Hedman 89830 headers.

The Hedmans exit above the drive shaft next to the leaf spring. There is probably about 1" clearance between the top outside of the drive shaft and the header collector. I have about 4" between suspension and bump-stop so I would imagine even with minor flexing of suspension I'll start smashing the two together.









I considered fenderwell exit headers, but I'd have to re-do a lot of the master cylinder and proportioning valve lines. I'm also worried that there would be interference with the Borgeson steering shaft.

Since I have not yet set up the pipes and mufflers I'm thinking the easiest (although not cheapest) way to fix this problem is to get a set of Stan's headers which route closer to the block and exit to the inside of the drive shaft.

My question for this thread is whether anybody is using a set of Stan's headers in their highboy and if so how is the fit? Do you have enough clearance around the driveshaft? How about the passenger side and starter clearance? Pics would be great if you have any.

My research so far has turned up nothing but great reviews for their headers so I am reasonably confident the quality will be good.

Thanks!

 

Clock the header flange to maximize the clearance as the suspension cycles. I swear mine clears by 1/8-inch and it has yet to hit.

Ya might wanna checkthat your engine is level side to side because that,ll move the header farther away.

 

I have a set of Stan's on my 76 Highboy. They are the set that is a little longer to clear the cross member. Clearance seems to be fine. Don't have a real good picture to show you though.

 

HIO,

Is that 1/8 over/under like mine or side to side?

 

Side to side. The driveshaft will move very little laterally and it'll be fine so long as it has vertical clearance.

 

I see one issue between your truck and 9th pony's. He has a high pinion and you have a low pinion. Drive shaft clearance is going to be much tighter between the two.

 

Ah, my problem is vertical clearance. If the driveshaft move's up more than about an inch it will hit the headers.

I am probably having the issues due to the high pinion dana 44 (thanks for pointing that out co425) that was swapped in and the 3" custom driveshaft. It's looking more and more like Stans is going to be my best option.

Thanks for the pics Hickory, that helps.

 

Found the installation photo's for Stan's Headers on the highboy on their website.

The part number for future reference is 244Y-L. They are Tri-Y headers and can be bought in 14 or 16 ga. with a few coating options. They use 3/8" thick flanges.

This looks to be exactly what I was looking for. The driver's side exits inside the drive shaft and for a nice bonus looks like a lot more clearance to the starter. Wish I would have found these before I bought the Hedman's. I'm sure the Hedman's would have worked well if I had stock front axle and shaft, but on mine doesn't quite fit right.

Anyway, looks like I'll be placing an order Monday.

 

Good eye CO425, I didn't think of that.

 

Quick update - headers arrived today so after work tonight I mounted up the drivers side. Fits like a glove !!! Fit and finish are top notch and I have zero clearance issues.

This weekend I'll see about mounting the passenger side, hopefully no issues there. I'll report back with pictures once the install is complete.

 

Very cool. Chaulk one up for parts that actually fit.