Duff header install questions

[2badrotties]

Who wants to give me the rundown on the easiest way to install a set of Duff headers on a 302. I don't have directions, I bought them used. Should I set them in the Bronco before I install engine or engine in first ? Will the starter go in and out with the headers on ? I am open to all suggestions and info.

Oh, while I'm asking questions - I have read where people say one of the headers points towards a radius arm or something when you have no lift . Whats up with that ?

 

[Bucmaster]

I put my Duff headers on with the engine in. Can change a starter without removing. Don't think that they point toward a radius arm. I'll look tomarrow if someone else doesn't answer before. Had to literaly cut out my old headers. NO way to get them out without pulling engine.

 

[Unregistered]

Im thinkingof putting on headers. I looked at the exhaust manifolds on there now...omfg,,,they looks too rusted to come off. any suggestions? I heard snapping them bolts off is a nightmare.

 

[Moaiz]

Rust = PB Blaster, soak it & repeat.

My duffs went on with the engine in also, pulled the starter, came up from bottom. Passenger side is easy. The driver side may annoy you a bit without a second set of hands up top to get some bolts started but its straightforward. One side on mine points more down then straight, cant remember which it is.

Might be a good time to put on exhaust studs and or locking header bolts too. I got a set of both waiting for the next time I get motivated to dig into it again.

 

[2badrotties]

Thanks for the info so far. I had read that one collector points toward SOMETHING but I don't remember what. Maybe someone said the driveshaft.

 

[Bucmaster]

Just went out and looked at mine. I have just the bare headers on now, no exhaust. Looks like they both point straight toward the rear and level to boot.

 

[HAIRRAZOR]

On some of the older headers from Duff I believe the drivers side pointed towards the radius arm not "at it". This becomes a problem when installing a set of there extended radius arms (if you have a 351W) and not with your stock arms.

I've installed them on other broncos with the engine in and if you have an auto tranny the passenger side can be a little tough to get past the the tranny cooler lines. Both sides went in from below, also try e-mailing them or call and see if they will e-mail a set of directions to you.

It's also a good time to install some Stage 8 header bolts, the work great and no more loose headers.

 

[vap13]

I used these headers on my EB with a 351W and AOD. the drivers side went ok but the passengers side was a real pain. Mainly because of the AOD being larger I had to lower the rear of tran and transfer case as much as possible to gain the clearance I needed. The drivers side looks to be pointing close to radius arm but should clear, it will be close. Have not hooked up exhaust yet

 

[Broncobowsher]

I have a set of older Duff headers on the 351 and 4R70W (good version of the AOD). They cleared the old NP435 great, but when I went automatic, it got real tight on the passenger side. So far it is the only set of headers I have found that will clear. I have been running them for 2 years this way. To install them I had to cut off #1 and #2 down tubes and splice them after installation. The engine and trans were already installed. Clearance with a C4 would be much better. Next change will be to dump the headers and install a set of ported K-code manifolds.

Attached is a picture of the exhaust and how tight it fits. The collector bolts must be aligned correctly and a little header wrap to try to keep the trans from baking. The aluminium collector gasket has started to melt inside the header wrap.

 

[TJK74]

I'm running duffs headers as well.The install with the motor in on the mounts with no problem. A bit tight but they go in.

 

[2badrotties]

Thanks guys. I just didn't want to scratch up my pretty underhood paint job ;D yeah right ;D

 

[vap13]

Hey Broncobowsher,looks like they fit tighter on yours than my AOD. I also used header wrap on the entire headers before I did the install. Thats probably what made the install a little tighter. Did you have any problems with your front driveshaft clearing the tranny? I hav'nt got that far yet.

 

[77BroncoWag]

mine has the AT and I left the starter in. I did take all the spark plugs out though(made the driverside alot easier. I was also able to install them easily from the bottom.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Hey Broncobowsher,looks like they fit tighter on yours than my AOD. I also used header wrap on the entire headers before I did the install. Thats probably what made the install a little tighter. Did you have any problems with your front driveshaft clearing the tranny? I hav'nt got that far yet.

Since I was having a new driveshaft made for the front, I had it made out of 2" tube instead of the standard 2½" tube. No problem with the small tube.

Yes it is a tight fit, but not to worry, I plan to start the K-code manifold swap tonight (along with the head gasket change)

 

[vap13]

Broncobowsher, Thanks for the reply, I 'll have to do the same with the front driveshft. I think some have dented the tranny pan just enough for the original shaft to clear, but I hate to start a leak somewhere. Sounds like you have a busy weekend ahead, me too.
Paul