I appreciate the offer Mike, I should be able to get the stupid bolt out, probably later today, have some errands to do right now though. I have plenty of hardware to choose from to finish this chore...thankfully. (I knew gutting those wrecks would come in handy ;-))

If that intake is as warped as you say it is I believe I have a an intake that you can make use of.

RM

Thanks, I dont think the intake is warped at all, I KNOW The exhaust is though, my leveling block in the shop is long enough to tell with the intake, so I'll know tomorrow, I have some things to do today and its already to fookin hot out.

Good news, everything's back together , the rust rocket runs...
the intake manifold was level (thank goodness) the old exhaust manifold was very warped...
No fuel leaks , but plenty of smoke and stink from the oil on the new manifold, even after I cleaned it off....
Glad I don't need this thing on a daily basis.....
Questionable news
I may yet have air leaking in someplace as it got extremely hot very quickly the first two times I ran it.... hotter than usual, but it could be my fertile imagination as well.

At least it runs....and doesn't leak fuel....

well since you're up and running mind if I stop by with my leaking engine? I need some help removing/installing exhaust I'll bring more beer

doug

Lot's o' beer at the house now, I could use some help drinking it, so if ya call I will be around Sunday evening, Monday evening

What happened w/ your exhaust?

Manifold redux, all is well, after I tightened up the collector a little more no more stinking fuming and smoking.... from the jeep anyway, and now the engine runs as close to "as it's supposed to" as any 4.0 will.....
I discovered that the bolt that was stuck drilled out ok, without fouling up the threads too bad, BUT there was the broken end of another hardened steel part in the base of the hole - there were enough threads to set a new stud over it and get it snugged down ok fortunately...
the NEXT time I have to do this I will probably have to pull the head and get fancy with a grinder to get whatever THAT is/was out. I'm betting some nice person broke an "easyout" or drill bit off in there and left it.....

I have a recall on my Cat but if the exhaust is bad they won't release the jeep to me until it's fixed so I got a new system to put in so I dont have to pay them the $400 it wouold cost for them to put a new one on. but i have a feeling there is no bung for my 2nd o2 sense, and I still have to finish my rear fenders....I might be at work till 3ish on sunday but I'll give you a call and head over if you will be around after then......I'm a little bit farther away than before but I'm always willing to help drink beer