Hi,Here is my problem,my jeep has a cracked exhaust manifold,the rest just fell off after the cat.Contemplating doing the job myself because if I pay someone I dont believe the truck is worth the money.First,is there a improved system I could install in close price to OEM equip,and second can I possibly get any tips or info on the BEST way to go about removing the old bolts,which Im sure will be a chore.I am confident I can do this and would love to keep this truck as it tows my 16' boat nicely.tThanks in advance for any help,Ernie

There are plenty after market exhaust systems that will fit your jeep.

What is better than stock?? Thats your opinion... I personally enjoy a quite car, but some people love a loud rumble. Either way, since you need the piping and muffler, you want to buy a "cat back exhaust system". This will come with the muffler and piping to get from the cat to the back of the car, including a new tail pipe.
cat back
I'm running a dynomax system in my jeep. It's cheep, quite, and fits well.

The new style exhaust manifold with expansion joints for number 1 and 6 cyl. supposedly fix the problem of the collector cracking from heat related expansion fatigue (I am currently running one).

These guys have 2 manifolds that would fit your jeep
manifold



In order to get the old bolts off, spray them down with PB Blaster, or whatever your favorite penetrating oil is, and let them sit for a few hours minimum. Use a 6 point socket on all the rusted bolts, a 12 point will probably just strip the sticky ones. You'll find that the bolts going into the head will be probably the easiest, the bolts on the collector and cat will be the hardest.

Thanks sunder,do you know what other parts I would need to complete this, trying to figure out total pricing.Thanks

I'm with Sunder on the QUIET! I don't want to hear anything except the engine noises coming out of my vehicle. A few hundred miles of tail pipe noise would drive me sillier..
As for the rest I'd be buying an aftermarket or USED manifold. Most likely a used one on an 89 model! Which I'd install myself. Then off to the friendly muffler shop I'd go and have them do the rest.
Without a hoist, mufflers and pipes can be a real chore.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Depending on which exhaust manifold you purchase, you might need an intake and exhaust manifold gasket. I think the dorman came with gaskets and the other didn't.

You may also need new rubber hangers to hold up the new exhaust. Take a look at your old hangers, if they are ripped or you can't get them off without ripping them, buy some new ones.

Thanks everyone for your input.Turns out to be no big deal,off with the old and parts cleaned in 2 hrs.Believe it or not some of the bolts came off by hand.Had to shave a tad off the new exhaust manifold to get two bolts in and torqing the new ones on takes some FEEL as access to the bolts is tough.But overall much easier than I thought.

What setup did you end up getting? Manifold and cat back?

pretty much stock,old truck,not too pretty and just the latest thing to fix on it.The Dorman exh man.did need a slight adjustment,cat is a high flow Dynomax, and super 44 flowmaster muff