header/shackle clearance

[rob h]

Ok guys, I did my 53 inch alcan spring swap and moved my shackle mounts back and up some...that gets into clearance on my ball flange 3 inch collector (long tube headmans) I have a few ideas on what to do, but could use some help on this...

1.. Turn the collector and grind the side so it doesnt rub, then heat up the headers with the torch and ease them over toward the trans some.

2.. Cut off the collector, weld a sleave to it and slide my exhaust into it. I would leave it long so if i ever have to pull it apart there is plenty of pipe left. (not a real good idea in my mind but good for clearance.

3.. Cut off the collector and buy the clamps that go around the pipe to connect them togeather. ( clamp looks like pipe with bolts that squeezes the pipe)

4.. Buy shorty headers, only thing is mine are 2 years old and were 300.00.

Let me know any ideas, i gota do this before i wheel and the nice weathers here.....

 

[fulltilt]

an other thing you could try is cutting the tubes off at the head flange and tilting the headers in towards the block and then weld the tubes back up, its more work but its an option

 

[rob h]

so you know how close

Heres some pics........

Might heat the header and bend it away then make a piece that will guide it so it doesnt hit or bang into the header flange, maybe grind the flange, just dont wana weaken it too much..

 

[badmix]

dont even have to heat em up, just bend em, your only moving them an inch or so..it wont weaken anything, metal can bend ONCE, if you bend it one way and then another that is when you weaken it.

 

[rob h]

That even sounds better, i was thinking of using the porta power to move them over, even 1/2 to 3/4 should work....thanks

 

[badmix]

6' pry bar is all you need. I did it to mine and never had any issues.

 

[rob h]

ok ill give it a try and see what happens...hope that works..lol.. if it worked for you then its worth a shot

 

[Desert Rat]

I had a similar problem with my Doug's headers using the ORD HD shackles. I got a large piece of pipe, wrapped a towel around it and duct taped it so as not to scratch up the inside of my headers. Then I put the pipe in the open end and used a small come-along hand winch hooked to the opposite side frame. I pulled the header away from the shackle and left it there for a couple of days. When I took the hand winch off, the header was right where I wanted it. I double checked the bolts into the manifold and made sure they were all tight after.

 

[rob h]

Thanks guys, ill have to try your ideas. Much appreciated