Manifold install

[eaglescout526]

Alright my 4.0 brethren, let’s talk about manifold installation on specifically the I6 family. 
How are y’all getting the bolts in and get it to bolt up? About to fight with it tonight on the Eagle, I’ve got most of the top row in minus the ones are the back of the head.

[derf]

Wobble sockets on an extension.  They combine a universal joint with a socket.

 

 

The 258 in my CJ needed a 9/16" socket.

[eaglescout526]

13 minutes ago, derf said:

Wobble sockets on an extension.  They combine a universal joint with a socket.

 

 

The 258 in my CJ needed a 9/16" socket.

 

Those are fancy. I need some of those. 
 

But what about getting the bolts in while the the exhaust manifold is too close and can’t get a bolt threaded?

[fiatslug87]

I recall using a 14mm(??) ratcheting combination wrench.

[derf]

8 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

 

Those are fancy. I need some of those. 
 

But what about getting the bolts in while the the exhaust manifold is too close and can’t get a bolt threaded?

Those sockets are shallow enough you can use them to push the bolt into the hole as you spin it to get it started.  I get the exhaust only bolts (2x center top and the ones towards the bottom at either end) more or less snug.

 

It does take some patience but it's possible.

[derf]

2 minutes ago, fiatslug87 said:

I recall using a 14mm(??) ratcheting combination wrench.

Yeah, 14mm is basically 9/16".

[eaglescout526]

29 minutes ago, derf said:

It does take some patience but it's possible.

That’s what I thought. I didn’t know if anyone had a trick for doing this. I know it’s the same situation with the 2.5L. Patience and prying. 

[89 MJ]

57 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

Patience and prying.

And some swearing, at least in your head

[eaglescout526]

26 minutes ago, 89 MJ said:

And some swearing, at least in your head

actually I only sweared maybe twice. I was able to jam a big flat head in between 6 and it moved the space enough for me to get 5 bolt in. And then I was able to get 6 in. Time to eat and do the lowers…yay. 

[AZJeff]

All the fasteners on the bottom side of the manifold should be changed to studs and nuts.  It is FAR easier to line up a nut on to a stud than it is to try and start a bolt into a blind hole in the head.

[eaglescout526]

36 minutes ago, AZJeff said:

All the fasteners on the bottom side of the manifold should be changed to studs and nuts.  It is FAR easier to line up a nut on to a stud than it is to try and start a bolt into a blind hole in the head.

I agree. Although what’s incredibly odd is I usually have to fight the lower bolts, but this time I didn’t. All threaded in just fine. Either this car likes me or I just got lucky. 

[Eagle_SX4]

11 hours ago, eaglescout526 said:

I agree. Although what’s incredibly odd is I usually have to fight the lower bolts, but this time I didn’t. All threaded in just fine. Either this car likes me or I just got lucky. 

The 4.2 intake manifold is easier to install because the runners are about half the length of the 4.0 runners.

 

Also glad to hear that it is going back together smoothly.

[pizzaman09]

I've used a ratcheting box end wrench to put a bolt in at number 6 as the factory stud was missing.  I also used the same wrench to snug up the others as they were loose.  Just did it laying down under the truck.

[eaglescout526]

I actually got it all buttoned up last night, did the finishing touches this morning and able to drive it to my folks for thanks giving. 
 

I appreciate the input yall! Now go spend time with your loved ones. Weather it’s a Jeep or family, go spend it!