Broken exhaust studs...
 

I have several broken exhaust manifold studs on my 2001 F150 with the 5.4 and you can hear the exhaust leaks. I want to pull the manifolds and replace the studs, while keeping the carnage to a minimum. What's the best way? PB blaster soaking for several days and wrench the off by hand?

I've heard using an impact does well to remove the nut and prevent broken studs. Truth or rumor?

how much of the stud is there? I just posted in the other thread about the craftsman tool...I used that perfectly to pull broken exhaust studs on my TR.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1382923841.jpg

I'm not sure how much is left. Gotta pull the manifolds off first.

My thought was to replace all the studs but then maybe it's better to let sleeping dogs lie and only fix the broken ones.

Having done this several times I suspect you have cracked manifolds. very common on the 4.6 and 5.4 . Once the manifolds are removed you can probably remove the studs by double nutting and some heat. I don,t recall needing new studs but certainly manifolds. You can get cheap Chinese replacements but expect only about 2 or 3 yrs out f them before they crack too. You need a torch and small wrenches to remove the manifolds There is no room for an impact anyway.