When I installed my turbo I replaced exhaust manifold so it was a one piece install which as we know weighs quite a bit, especially if done alone. Can I remove/install turbo without removing manifold? It seems those two 15mm nuts closest to engine are impossible to remove. Any tips or hints? Am I just better off removing total assembly as installed?

Thanks brothers...

 

Remove the pass. side front tire and pull the inner fender. You will need some decent length extensions. I used wobble extensions IIRC. It wasnt all that bad as a lot of people have said it was. I would leave the manifold since the gaskets for it are expensive. You are also doing it 2 times.... right? I know the stocker was gravy to pull but the S300 was a pain because I did not hook up the drain tube before installing it. Even still a 1/4 in extension with a wobble made it alright.

 

^^^ Totally right, make sure the oil return line is installed before mounting the turbo back on the manifold. The 2 back nuts are tedious, but can be done with patience. It would help to have a second person under the truck to hold the turbo up while you're guiding it in.

 

I did it. It was not that bad at all. Like they say above, fender removal w/some extensions & wobblies make it easy.

 

It's pretty easy to just pull the whole thing, so why take the chance of fighting it the other way. The gaskets can be reused.

 

I already have the inner fender out... I've done this before..

I still see no way to reach the nuts closest to the engine even with a wobble extension... Are you saying you got it from the side or from underneath? I may just pull the manifold. I was trying to avoid that due to the weight of it all. When I did the install, my back was in better shape and it still was a bear. Now I have a lower back problem and no help on the horizon... I do have an engine lift and maybe I can utilize that as an extra set of hands...?

 

The inside ones I got from underneath.

 

24" extension and a good wobble/swivel with an impact will get the job done. If you have never taken those bolts out, they may be a little tough to break loose. Use a good penetrating oil and let it soak a bit before you attempt. I also had to heat mine up a bit with a torch to break them loose. I say use an impact vs. a ratchet because if they are like mine were, you are more likely to snap the bolts by hand then by impact.

 

They were out before when I installed the Silver turbo and I used never seize on them.
Ok, now spell this out to me cause I'm kinda slow. You're saying a 15mm socket, then a swivel/wobble extension, then more extension, and I can do it from under the truck? I can't even see the nut from under the truck... What am I missing?

 

I used the socket, wobble socket and a 24" extension. Use a light and you can see both nuts. The front can be reached with no wobble, just extension straight up. The back nut is just behind the wastegate lever which is where the swivel or wobble socket will be needed.

 

Gotcha... first thing in the AM... I'll get back with my report.

Thanks

 

Well... I punked out and just removed the whole manifold/turbo together. Everything went smooth except for my exhaust. When I had installed the Silver64 turbo I had to cut about 2" out of the exhaust pipe just before my muffler... Now of course, I have an exhaust that won't line up.. So now I gotta figure out what to do... Problem is, my exhaust is like Frankenstein. I have switched mufflers three times. To say it's chopped up is an understatement.