DT Header install question - 06

[sidneyhop]

The shop installing the shorty headers on my 06 gx hit a snag. On the drivers side he cant get two of the stud nuts to clear the egr tube. Any tips on the best way to go about doing this? Also he mentioned the DT gaskets that came with the set are leaking. Are they prone to leaking, and are there better ones to get?
Thanks!

 

[sidneyhop]

 

[Rednexus]

Definitely don't use the DT gaskets. Fel-Pro gaskets for the 2UZ are multi-layer steel, made in Japan, and are identical to the OEM Toyota gaskets (probably from the same factory) so I would pick up a set of those from your local auto parts store.

Regarding the stud, is the shop re-using the factory nuts or larger ones? I have LT's on mine (which are a bit easier to install) but it's still a tedious process. The shop might need to pull the header out a bit, get the nut started, and push the the header up against th ehead. If the clearance is just too small it might be easier to pull the stud and insert a JIS bolt instead.

 

[sidneyhop]

Definitely don't use the DT gaskets. Fel-Pro gaskets for the 2UZ are multi-layer steel, made in Japan, and are identical to the OEM Toyota gaskets (probably from the same factory) so I would pick up a set of those from your local auto parts store.

Regarding the stud, is the shop re-using the factory nuts or larger ones? I have LT's on mine (which are a bit easier to install) but it's still a tedious process. The shop might need to pull the header out a bit, get the nut started, and push the the header up against th ehead. If the clearance is just too small it might be easier to pull the stud and insert a JIS bolt instead.

Which Fel Pro gasket are you looking at? Im seeing the manifold one but has the steel 'shroud' looking thing attached.
Fel-Pro MS96701 - This one?

Currently using the factory nuts. The one by the steering column he says they cant get the clearance to get anything in there to tighten it down?

 

[sidneyhop]

This is the one that's hard to access.

 

[Rednexus]

Yes, the MS97601 gaskets are identical to the OEM gaskets and include the shroud/shield.

Regarding the bolts....they are a PITA....I had to use a combination of flex-head ratchet wrenches, normal wrenches, sockets with 3-5 combinations of U-joints and wobble extensions, and even had to cut a one deep socket into a halfway deep/halfway normal socket to get things to fit. It's a terrible job and takes a lot of outside-the-box thinking. For the ones near the steering column I ended up laying under the GX, behind the motor, and reaching up that way. I think I used a normal open end wrench and it just took 20 minutes or so to get it in. He could also try grinding down the wrench to provide some extra clearance.

EDIT: Saw your pics, that one is definitely doable as I mentioned above. You have to lay under the GX and reach up from behind. It's slow-going but I got those ones in. He can use a ratchet-wrench (flex head) or just an open-end and go super slow.

 

[sidneyhop]

OK thanks. I'll order the gaskets now and forward the info along.

 

[sidneyhop]

Yes, the MS97601 gaskets are identical to the OEM gaskets and include the shroud/shield.

Regarding the bolts....they are a PITA....I had to use a combination of flex-head ratchet wrenches, normal wrenches, sockets with 3-5 combinations of U-joints and wobble extensions, and even had to cut a one deep socket into a halfway deep/halfway normal socket to get things to fit. It's a terrible job and takes a lot of outside-the-box thinking. For the ones near the steering column I ended up laying under the GX, behind the motor, and reaching up that way. I think I used a normal open end wrench and it just took 20 minutes or so to get it in. He could also try grinding down the wrench to provide some extra clearance.

EDIT: Saw your pics, that one is definitely doable as I mentioned above. You have to lay under the GX and reach up from behind. It's slow-going but I got those ones in. He can use a ratchet-wrench (flex head) or just an open-end and go super slow.

Got the GX back yesterday and the gaskets you recommended worked great. Apparently the ones that come with the DT headers kinda suck.