OK guys i am going to be installing my headers on my truck in next couple days..is there any tips,tricks, or anything to look out for? also i was going to replace my exhaust manifold gaskets with new ones when i put the headers on but the local auto parts stores around here say they dont have them for anything after the 2001 model, are they not the same gaskets?

Thanks in advance.

 

dunno if they are the same but you could probably reuse the factory ones. Or at least go to a dealer and get a set.
The easiest way (for me) was to undo the bolt for the steering arm and move it aside. Jack the truck up high enough to get the headers in a vertical angle. slide em up next to the engine and lift into place. Put the gaskets and bolts in and start putten everything together.
Obviously pull the plugs first.

 

take out the plastic wheel well make a lot more room. remove the spark plugs. be carefull of the oil dipstick also it is a pain in the ***, well mine was anyway.

good luck.

 

some people buy 99-02 headers for there 03-06 trucks and they bolt up so i am guessing the gaskets are the same..and i will go to the dealer if need be..and thanks for the other tips guys keep em coming..

 

Yes. When you take out the dipstick. Spin it, don't jiggle it. It breaks off pretty easy. the tip of mine finally came out during my last oil change.

 

ok will do..thanks..anyone else?

 

im interested in what everyone says as well, mine will be going on sunday. does everyone reccomend using band clamps instead of reg. clamps for the ory?

 

I like the band clamps better. If you can just weld on some couplers. But butting them up together and strapping a band clamp around is just as good. As long as the rest of the pipe is hung properly it works like a charm.

 

The ORY is pre flanged to slide over the headers and for the cat back piece. That is what thru me off so i just had it welded.
An offset band clamp should work good. like 3" to 3.5" should make up the difference. But i've never tried it.
Hopefully someone will chime in. I tried a 3" clamp over the flange and it wouldn't seal.

 

If you want to keep your stock Y pipe intact, deffinately take out the tranny crossmember, that helped tons.