Going Stage 3

[Pynenut]

Question: Is there some type of trick to getting the exhaust support bracket back on after doing the first part (Stage 1) of the install? I'm having a tough time aligning the bracket back up, it seems the bolt is too long for the original threaded hole location, through the new support. Any idea?

 

[pirate air]

Is it the hole in the bottom, bolt pointing up? I had the same problem, the frame hole doesn't line up with the RPG bracket hole. I just used a stud, threaded it into RPG bracket and tightened exhaust hanger with nut and washer.

 

[PropDr]

Get real; you can not expect that a bracket that is being offset by a ¼” will fit without modification.
Get a round file and elongate the hole.

 

[Pynenut]

Got that, but I may have a bigger problem here. I finally got the springs and started on the passenger side. Loosened and removed the u bolts, then loosened both sides of the spring bolts. When I removed the bottom bolt of the shackle, it slammed up against the bed. So now I have it sitting on the axle on an angle. The other side of the spring bolt is still in because the exhaust is in the way and I can't remove it. I didnt realize you had to drop the exhaust and it seems this is the only way of getting the bolt out.

So 2 questions:

Any idea on the steps to drop the exhaust down? I don't want to cut the bolt cause I don't have another one.

Do you replace the stock U bolt retaining clip onto the new springs during the install?

 

[beemerman]

Got that, but I may have a bigger problem here. I finally got the springs and started on the passenger side. Loosened and removed the u bolts, then loosened both sides of the spring bolts. When I removed the bottom bolt of the shackle, it slammed up against the bed. So now I have it sitting on the axle on an angle. The other side of the spring bolt is still in because the exhaust is in the way and I can't remove it. I didnt realize you had to drop the exhaust and it seems this is the only way of getting the bolt out.

So 2 questions:

Any idea on the steps to drop the exhaust down? I don't want to cut the bolt cause I don't have another one.

Do you replace the stock U bolt retaining clip onto the new springs during the install?

When I did mine I had the stainless works exhaust. Don't think I had to drop it. But you should be able to separate it in front of the muffler and drop the hangers maybe that will be enough. I did not reuse the retaining clip in mine. Just put the ubolts around the springs. Figured if you needed a retainer they would have supplied one. Besides you would have to separate the new springs to put it on. Hope this helps. Jack



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[Pynenut]

Yeah, that is where I'm having a problem. I can't seem to loosen the stock exhaust off of the hangers. I wish I had a second bolt, I would just cut it. There has to be a way to loosen the exhaust off of the middle hanger somehow. I didn't even expect that I would have to take this step since I didn't see it in the instructions anywhere.

 

[RPG]

Unbolt the hangers instead of trying to remove it from the hanger. I sent ya a pm.

 

[Pynenut]

Thanks J! Got it off. The middle hanger actually rotates once you take the one bolt off. Lesson learned. I'm getting this done tomorrow!! Just gotta lift the passenger side in place and do the driver side.

 

[BigScott]

Did LiL J get you taken care of ? You have to REMOVE retainer clip on rear most exhaust hanger. Loosen the others and exhaust will drop

 

[Pynenut]

DONE! And happy as hell! Thx everyone that helped me along!


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