Swapped my MACs for GTAs today. The MACs had been on a very long time and had been tightened down within a inch of their life originally. Now my over-the-axle pypes are a little indented and I think this is preventing a good seal with the GTA mufflers.

Any tips on getting a axle-back to tighten up on a set of over the axle pipes that have been banged around a bit?

 

go to autozone and rent their free pipe expander. You buy it but you can return it after using it. Straighten everything out that way at least the parts that tie into each other

 

+1 Glenn.

 

Cool, never heard of these before! Something like this?
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=110585_0_0_

I'm guessing 2-1/8" is the inside diameter of our 2.5" OD exhaust.

I've also read that the best way to do it is do a initial tightening cold, then let the engine warm up and do a final tightening when the system is up to temp, any thoughts?

 

yes thats the tool. I tq'ed my clamps to 40 ft pounds cold and never messed with it again. Do you have a tourqe wrench?

 

No but I think I'll be picking one up, need it for spark plugs and some other maintenance coming up.

 

I also used that tool a couple of years ago. It works good. You will be happy Jed with the results!!
Scott

 

Hope so! I also have a manifold to x-pipe leak on the passenger side (that uppermost flange bolt is so hard to get to!), hoping to get all my leaks taken care of this weekend once and for all!

 

That upper most flange bolt your speaking of made me buy an 1/2 drive 18 inch long extension and swivel to get the bolts loose. I would assume you are still running cats out there in "tree hugger territory"?