Difficulty of Exhaust Isolator Replacement

[smata67]

Surely, this job has been done plenty by DIYers here. Is this something that can be done in the driveway without a lift? What I'm afraid of is cutting them off and not being able to get the new ones on. There is limited room for leverage under an unlifted car, just don't want to end up frustrated here. Is it as simple as slipping them on or can they occasionally be a real pain to get on? There are some tricks such as heating them up and lubing with silicon grease to allegedly make them easier to put on, but I think I remember having problems replacing these on another car, the hangers being real stiff. What has been your experience?

[northern piper]

you're talking about the rubber figure 8 looking hangars right? If so, yes, they're a bit of a challenge but easily doable on your back van on the ground. If you have ramps, put the front up and that'll give you a bit of extra clearance. I find using a slot screwdriver or short pry bar will help them off. The new ones go on easier as the metal bracket that they slip onto has a mushroomed end which allows for easy installation; difficult removal (which is the way you want it)

[smata67]

If the hard part is getting them off, I'll have a dremel handy. They are about to fall off anyway, if they haven't already.

[northern piper]

a utility knife will probably be quicker and easier

[smata67]

Anybody use the generic hangars from Autozone? They are similar to this one, I believe they measure 2" center to center on the holes, which is what I'm measuring on the car. Perhaps a bit narrower than the originals also, though I don't think that will be a problem. I'm a bit concerned about getting them over the mushroom on the hanger, the holes could be slightly smaller than the original. The 3A/Racing site says none of their hangars fit my vehicle. 3A/Racing 17163.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...ier=58088_0_0_

Here is another model they have, 17219, not quite sure what is different about it. I will probably take a look at these at the store later today.

http://3aracing.com/pdut_detail.asp?ID=472

[parkerb]

a shot of silicone spray makes it super easy.

[smata67]

Pretty easy job. The cat must be supported when replacing those two. There are a total of three isolators. Ford part number is F68A-5F262-AA. I just dipped them in water and they slid on, tight, but not a big problem. Best to slide them over the mushrooms first than engage the upper hanger.

There are no exact fit generics. The closest in size, width, and hole spacing is the ROL 511187 or 3A/Racing 62-00911 (same as 17161). But the holes are a bit larger, 12mm instead of the OEM 10mm. They would work just fine, but I just went ahead and put originals on. When the old ones come off, they will be stretched out and appear to be much longer than the new ones.