So here I am right in the middle of replacing my catalytic converter (slightly postponed from last weekend) and it appears as if everything that could go wrong has.

First it was the bolts mounting the crossmember and tranny skid plate to the frame. Seeing as these hadn't ever been touched in 6 years I expected some problems. out of the 8 "outside" bolts, I either broke the bolt or the tack-welded nut on half of them. Not a big deal as I have replacement hardware, but it still set me back a day or so.

I had no illusions of being able to remove the bolts connecting the cat Y-pipe to the rear exhaust pipe, so I just cut them and replaced them as well.

Now here is the problem that has me stuck. I have loosened two of the three nuts that connect the Y to the exhasut manifold on the driver's side the third one is kicking my <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />. Anyone have any idea how much torque I should be able to put on those nuts before I run the risk of snapping off one of the bolts? I've used PB blaster, heater up the nut and nothing seems to help.

Thanks guys.


Steve

'97 Rodeo 5spd. 3.2L SOHC V6 4WD