I have an exhaust leak on my last jug against the fire wall on the passenger side. Inspected the top manifold stud and as I thought it was busted. Drilled the stud out and put a new stud in. That was fun. Started the truck hoping the gasket would be ok and the leak is still as bad. I inspected the lower stud which is a biatch to get between the frame and starter. That one too is busted. I can't do anything about it...there is no room man.

I read so many forums, can't find a true answer. Some say you can remove the manifold without lifting the engine. Is this true? HOW? I can't access lower studs and the #2cyl stud is right against the motor mount..can't even put my hand there.

My question, how do I get the manifold off? If I unbolt the motor mount and jack the engine, the motor mount is still in the way, I can't reach the stud...can the motor mount be taken off without much room to work?

Looks like this problem is easier with F150's...I'm at a loss and before I start I need help from experts aka forum guys. Engine replacement shops and muffler shops here won't even touch it!! I'm ok to pay but they won't touch it so I have to figure it out.

The shock and coil tower is in the way too...I read one place they take the tower off, it's stamped in the frame...do I grind the tower off and then bolt back together? Will that screw alignment?

I'm ready to go on a bush road and accidentally drop a gas can under the hood...and and a match.

Thank you for your help man, I truly would like to buy anyone who helps me a beer!!!

 

I should mention the engine is a lovely 5.4 I also have the cam phaser noise that's too loud IMO, that's a whole other story and question I guess. Sometimes i wonder if I should take the engine apart from the top down and pull the heads off with manifolds and inspect the cam phasers and chain tensionners too...but this means my truck is down for a few weeks...I'm no pro, I can get the job done just little slower.