Original steel nuts rust to the studs and the studs snap when trying to remove the nuts.
A brass nut doesn't rust so it's easier to remove but it can be stripped if over torqued.
It's a personal preference.
You can also use a brass jam nut if your are worried about holding power.
Your FLAPS will have repair kits with brass and/or steel studs and nuts.
You can drill out the old studs in the manifold and re-tap the hole and screw-in a threaded stud.
If the manifold is cracked/butchered you can use an epoxy like JB Weld to repair and secure a stud.
The hard part is doing the work from underneath the truck.
I suppose the best way is to remove the manifold and repair on a work bench.
Unfortunately you remove the bolts with spreaders that hold the intake as well.
Refitting is a balancing juggle to get alignment rings in place, intake and exhaust manifolds in place with new gaskets.
Last edited by buoymaker; 06/12/2021 1:17 AM.
