Downpipe fitment on 1995 F350: how much hammering?

[lotzagoodstuff]

Looking at upgrading my downpipe, thinking about a Diamond Eye 2 piece.

I have read quite a bit about the firewall interference, just trying to figure out what I'm in for. Also, for your guys out there who've updated to the 99/newer turbo: what did you do for a downpipe?

Sorry for all the silly questions, I'm a former 7.3 IDI guy who's trying to make the jump to a computer controlled truck

 

[94f450sd]

Its not that bad to do.you need to flatten the pinch weld seam where the firewall and floor meet.you need to give it a couple slices with a sawzall to make it easier to bend

If you can get your hands on one,a screw jack( the cheesey little jack they give you to change a tire with) from a newer car works nice for this.

 

[BIG JOE]

What Rich said

Then.. what's worked for me (?)

Assemble/install all the sections, starting with the Downpipe at the turbo.. but don't tighten any of the clamps. Adjust all the pieces/sections to where they kinda need to be.. but just hanging from the hangers.

Fabricate a block to brace the downpipe in position, away from the pinch weld .. tighten the turbo to downpipe clamp first and work front to back, adjusting as you go, tightening the other clamps.

You may halfta tweak things a bit.. after some warm-ups & cool-downs.

Joe

A HELPER, is a BIG HELP.. fer sure.

 

[lotzagoodstuff]

Thanks for the info/advice. Anybody have any specific experience with the Diamond Eye 2 piece? I am leaning this way as I hear some horror stories about the fitment of the offshore made stuff and I hear the Diamond Eye stuff is made here.

Lastly, anybody have any feelings about aluminized versus stainless steel? I grew up in the salty midwest, so I always prefer stainless steel for exhaust but my last truck had almost 260K on the original exhaust, I am guessing the coating of diesel/soot helps exhaust from rotting (along with the lack of salty winters out here in the Northwest).

Again, thanks for the experienced input.

 

[BIG JOE]

50/50 and Yer call.. but being in the Vancouver/Portland area, with all the >RAIN*< (snow).. Stainless would be my choice.

Joe

*grew up in the Estacada/Oregon City area. The >RAIN< is why I'm here in CenCal....

Wish we had some of it though.

 

[lotzagoodstuff]

Small world, I have a couple friends in Oregon City area. It all depends on your perspective with regards to the winter in the NorthWest. My personal mantra is "It's a lot easier to wash moss of your truck than rust"

 

[lotzagoodstuff]

Just a quick thanks and update: stainless steel 3" Diamond Eye two piece downpipe has been installed. As suggested I made three relief cuts on the pinch seam. Also wanted to post a pic of a quick suggestion for those trying to make this clearance in the future: putting a rounded bodywork dolly onto the spreader makes for a nicer/easier way to use a hydraulic spreader/portapower to accomplish this goal. See pics: a little duct tape and I was all set