Anyone remove catalytic heat shields with OPOR sliders?

[rc51kid]

I installed my OPOR sliders on my 94. I had to remove the long straight heat shield that runs along the side of the cat. I now have the bottom of the cat touching the slider where it covers the cat. It is the bottom of the heat shield the "clam shells" the two cats. Can i remove this two part heat shield? Did anyone else remove cat heat shields to fit these slider?

 

[mr jits]

I didn't remove the heat shield, but it was a very tight fit.

 

[Qball]

I removed it but it can be simply bent too. For the most part you won't need it with the slider there.

 

[Blade 80LC]

I just installed my OPOR sliders last week (on a '95). I removed the heat shield from the side (that was intended to save the steps from heat damage), but didn't remove any other heat shield pieces. I did notice the pinch weld at the back of the rear cat touched the skid on the slider. I bent it to the side for added clearance.

I haven't been able to get the middle U-bolt in on the other side though. I can't seem to get a wrench on the nut to loosen the brake lines between the gas tank and the frame where that mounts. I'm wondering if I'll need to drop the gas tank to get at it?

 

[leucadiacruiser]

I removed the heat shield per instructions - mine are side by side cat converters - and it's tight fit. My install here. @Blade 80LC pretty sure you shouldn't have to remove tank. Instructions on page 6 of this thread. Stoked on these and on a few trips have had the opportunity to see how well they protect the belly of the beast.

 

[LFD2037]

I didn't remove any heat shields.

 

[Blade 80LC]

I removed the heat shield per instructions - mine are side by side cat converters - and it's tight fit. My install here. @Blade 80LC pretty sure you shouldn't have to remove tank. Instructions on page 6 of this thread. Stoked on these and on a few trips have had the opportunity to see how well they protect the belly of the beast.

Nice install link, and thanks for the link to the install instructions. It would have been nice to have those around when I mounted mine. I had loosely fitted the front u-bolt first, and the back bracket didn't want to go around the bracket welded to the frame. I removed that u-bolt, then started at the back. That worked out better.

My problem is getting the middle u-bolt between the frame and the brake lines. Two of the clips that hold the lines to the frame, bolt on. The clip next to where the middle (left side) slider bracket attaches, is one that bolts on. I can't seem to get a wrench on the bolt. My fat fingers just can't seem to get between the frame and the gas tank. The distance is smaller than the height of a socket, let alone with a socket driver on it. I tried getting a combination wrench on it, but just couldn't seem to get it to grab. Perhaps I'll buy a set of flex ratcheting wrenches before taking it to a mechanic. I just can't seem to get it loose.

 

[leucadiacruiser]

@Blade 80LC if memory serves the flex ratchet is what you need - probably a good dose of liquid wrench, too. that one took some limber limbs to get at.

 

[Blade 80LC]

Dang. I was afraid it was a small fingers issue. That's something my brothers and I don't have.

Hmm. I wonder if my 12 year old nephew wants to get greasy?