I will need to take off my son exhaust here shortly and I was wanted to review all that's necessary.
Disconnect the 2 bolts at the Y pipe. Disconnect the 2 U bolt exhaust hangers. Disconnect the numerous springs. Edit: You will have to disconnect the E-Brake cable in order to drop the exhaust down. Then just drop down and pull out from under the car.
Is that everything? Any special tips or hints?
Jim
[This message has been edited by jimbolaya (edited 11-08-2014).]
Sounds about right. If the body is good, wrap the tips so as they don't scratch the paint when you work the system down/out.
Be prepared for broken bolts at the y-pipe. I had to end up drilling out a bolt and replace with nut/bolt (stainless locking).
Watch for exhaust gasket at y-pipe, so as you don't drop it or ruin it.
I usually just unbolt the rear hangers from the frame, as it is easier than trying to mess the u-bolts (unless you are going to change them)... same for the brackets that hold muffler to the frame.
If you break off a u-bolt, you can just grind it off the bracket and weld on a new one. Saves you from buying a new bracket. Just make note of the orientation of the u-bolt to the bracket. (sometimes you have enough material to just clamp the bracket with the u-bolt, but sometimes you have to weld.
[This message has been edited by jaskispyder (edited 10-31-2014).]
usual pb blaster application on the bolts if they appear rusty and which bolts on a 28 year old car aren't??
The springs will test your patience once again. I used the rodney dickman tool which was helpful for a newbie because the space is limited. pay attention to what spring goes where so they go back on where they are supposed to. took the most time re-connecting those stupid springs.
replacing the cat at the same time or has that been eliminated already?
I won't have any issues with the Y pipe bolts because I just had it off during my 4T60 swap. This is the reason I am taking the exhaust off. I think during the swap, I may have dropped something in that pipe before I covered it up. I don't remember dropping anything, but there is a loud metal clanking coming from the exhaust now. It is very annoying. So I need to drop it and see if anything comes out. If nothing comes out, the I'm not sure where to look.
I won't have any issues with the Y pipe bolts because I just had it off during my 4T60 swap. This is the reason I am taking the exhaust off. I think during the swap, I may have dropped something in that pipe before I covered it up. I don't remember dropping anything, but there is a loud metal clanking coming from the exhaust now. It is very annoying. So I need to drop it and see if anything comes out. If nothing comes out, the I'm not sure where to look.
Jim
Original cat? Could be a melted mass in there (well, could be true even if it isn't the original cat). Make sure your springs are seated properly, as the exhaust could be banging against the frame.
Original cat? Could be a melted mass in there (well, could be true even if it isn't the original cat). Make sure your springs are seated properly, as the exhaust could be banging against the frame.
Yeah, I checked all the springs and only found one exhaust tip hanger broken. I repaired that and it did not make a difference. The cat looks decent, no rust holes or such. I don't think it is original, but I have no idea how long it's been on there. Muffler looks to be in good shape also. The noise sounds like metal popcorn jumping around in the exhaust somewhere. It does not have any rhythmic pattern. It is worse at lower speeds and initial acceleration. However, there is no noise whatsoever at highway speeds. Smooth as silk.
Yeah, I checked all the springs and only found one exhaust tip hanger broken. I repaired that and it did not make a difference. The cat looks decent, no rust holes or such. I don't think it is original, but I have no idea how long it's been on there. Muffler looks to be in good shape also. The noise sounds like metal popcorn jumping around in the exhaust somewhere. It does not have any rhythmic pattern. It is worse at lower speeds and initial acceleration. However, there is no noise whatsoever at highway speeds. Smooth as silk.
Jim
Over time the baffles inside the muffler can rust out and break into pieces. The exhaust flow agitates the metal pieces and causes a rattle. That could be the sound that you are hearing or it could be coming from the cat under the same condition..
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Powerlog manifold, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Yeah, I checked all the springs and only found one exhaust tip hanger broken. I repaired that and it did not make a difference. The cat looks decent, no rust holes or such. I don't think it is original, but I have no idea how long it's been on there. Muffler looks to be in good shape also. The noise sounds like metal popcorn jumping around in the exhaust somewhere. It does not have any rhythmic pattern. It is worse at lower speeds and initial acceleration. However, there is no noise whatsoever at highway speeds. Smooth as silk.
Jim
Use something like a rubber mallet or your hand to pound on the cat and listen. I had a cat that was completely empty, except for one chunk, which was rattling around.
I put a brand new cat on my car when I had the 2.8 in it. took it out after 6 months to put in the 3.4 and the cat was all broken up and burned out in that short a time. replaced it with a hi flo cat from rodney.
I put a brand new cat on my car when I had the 2.8 in it. took it out after 6 months to put in the 3.4 and the cat was all broken up and burned out in that short a time. replaced it with a hi flo cat from rodney.
Just to add, an engine that isn't tuned properly (old engine) can also burn out a cat pretty quickly (rich fuel mixture, etc....) So, it can happen, even to new installs, like mentioned.
I don't remember dropping anything, but there is a loud metal clanking coming from the exhaust now. It is very annoying. So I need to drop it and see if anything comes out. If nothing comes out, the I'm not sure where to look. 
