I'm sorry if this has been asked before, but I searched the archives and didnt come up with much.

I am working on a new to me toyota 4runner (1995 v6) I'm not familiar with this engine and am quickly starting to miss my 22r. I am having problems removing the exhaust crossover (the piece connecting the manifolds) I've removed 4 of the bolts using a 3' extension and a wobbler socket. But the last two are a bit of a challange. The two in question are both at the 12 o clock position on the flange.
I cant seem to get any air power to them and where I can get a short wrench on them I cant generate enough force to make anything happen. Is there a trick to removing these guys? I really dont want to remove the brake booster and all the hardlines on the drivers side, should I? I suspect I am probably just missing something simple... But man pulling these heads really isnt all that fun <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I am about to drill a hole in the firewall..... Or perhaps a cutting torch?

>>>*Hi, Mark! Hey, welcome to 4X4wire! Good troops over here.

I was looking at some pics, and thinking if you were to heat and put a bend in an end wrench so that the handle has more clearence, then perhaps find a piece of pipe to fit over the end for leverage?

Perhaps someone else here has a better answer? I have heard folks cuss those before but luckily I never work under the hoods....*EB

Ted,
I figured it out. It ended up being absurdly easy... All it took was a flex head shortie ratcheting wrench (and a cheater of sorts). All I've ever owned is standard wrenches. Looks like it's time to upgrade my tools. After seeing how quickly the flex head wrench solved the problem, I went out and bought a set. Might even have to buy some short wrenches also. I suspect much like an impact wrench, I'll quickly wonder how I ever managed to live without.

>>>*Figured you might. I remember way back when you were sorting out that first Yota there were issues but you always managed.

How are things going otherwise? I seem to remember a giant boat and you playing musical females a few years back?...*LOL**..We are still in the same little building I built, but moving soon to the coast. Nothing changes, just more work to do all the time.

I was surprised that no one popped up to help here, normally folks have an answer for anything, even if it's wrong...Maybe because you are new here, but you and I go back all the way to the early days.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />...Any probs, don't be afraid to ask, good bunch on this site and they know the Toyota pretty well.....*EB

I used a small propane torch to heat the nuts to help them spin off. Have to be careful though because of wires, fuel line, etc.

Now Ted, ya know no one likes to post BS answers. The poster DOES remind me why we hold our 22R's dear, hehe!
Most folks I know putting in headers just take the sawzall to that crossover and get it over with.

ALWAYS good to justify upgrading the tool box! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

>>>*Yes, that is true. But Mark and I go back to the days when I was experimenting with what works and what doesn't.

Mark is the reason I make and sell camshafts, he asked questions, got me to thinking, one thing led to another and I was testing profiles.

*And yep, I solved most of the noise problem with the RV sticks as a result. Sometimes a friend gives a person the kick they need, Mark always asks "Why" just like me.

I will bet we have 5000 emails back and forth, I guess I have just a few dozen folks that clicked like that. You understand, you clicked with me, too.

*Let's face it, women that skin Polar Bears to make undies out of them are my kinda people...(*EB kidding...heehee)

*Natch, he has to go work on a 3V, one of my weak links as engines go. I was a tad surprised no one jumped up to help, but then I know Mark. Heck, he flew halfway across the country to visit with me for some reason.

He always figures something out since he is brilliant, like Darin and Nathan in that respect, well, except for the female part.....*LOL**...That I understand perfectly...*EB

Ted,
Hey I still Have that cam, it she's still spinning! And yeah the boat is still in the driveway, I'm suprised the neighborhood hasn't formed a committee. I should be elbows deep into it's restoration. But a friend gave me his 95 4 runner on account it was sending water out the tail pipe, and he had just paid for a new water pump a few months earlier... It's got AC and a sunroof so boss say's she wants to upgrade her ride...

As far as "always figuring something out cause I'm brilliant", I cant take credit for that. If I would quit breaking things, and acquiring broke things, I sure wouldnt have to spend so much time trying to figure them out! I have after many years finally learned to reach for the hammer second though.... I'm still tempted to use it whenever having to work under the dash... I hate working under dashes.

Good to hear from you ted, If I ever get these heads off I'll be ordering some parts!