Got my turbo out, loose baby butt, need advie..
 

So I'm in the process of deleting my ebpv with a new pedestal and turbo output. Also doing a wicked wheel install.

Like the title says, I got my turbo out and my baby butt on the up-pipes are pretty loose.

From my understanding, the best way to install install new up-pipe donuts is to pull the up-pipes off the manifolds then reassemble with new donuts before reinstalling the entire assembly, correct? It would be nice if I could just pull the baby butt and install new donuts. Any advise?? I've already called a good 7.3 mechanic friend and he says its probably not a good idea to even try tightening them at this point.

Guess I should just start saving my pennies for bellowed pipes...

:-partybud

you should at least get them loose so they will adjust tight to the butt after you get the donuts in place.....

If you really want it done right and never after to worry about it.....save up for the bellows up-pipes. But you already know this. Keep us posted as to which direction you chose and how it all turned out. V/r Les

Got the valley all cleaned up this afternoon and installed my new pedestal/orings. I'll be messing with my turbo on the kitchen table tonight and tomorrow its back together. Looks like bellowed up-pipes are in my future.

What kinds of signs should I be noticing with bad up-pipe gaskets? I've seen consistent fuel economy since I bought my truck. I've also always been able to reach boost levels of over 20psi consistently. I haven't seen any signs of issues. Could it possibly be because all the boost pressure is created on the output side of the turbo?

You might need to loosen one of the up pipes, but you should be able to change the donuts without pulling the up pipes. Like Ron said, leave them a little loose so you can line the turbo up when you install it. A helper sure does come in handy for this.