How to Replace the Exhaust Manifold in a Dodge Ram 1500
by Kyle McBrideHeat shields cover the exhaust manifolds on the 3.7-liter V-6 engine in your 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 ST. If the heat shield nuts are stubborn, soak them with penetrating oil and give the oil a few minutes to seep into the threads. Take care not to over-tighten the nuts on reassembly. If the nuts are too tight, the shield could distort or crack.
Step 1
Chock the rear wheels and set the parking brake on your truck. Position the floor jack under the forward frame rail behind the front wheel and lift the truck one side at a time. Use jack stands to support the truck. From the underside of the truck, remove the bolts and nuts that attach the exhaust pipe to the exhaust manifold. Lower the truck to the ground.
Step 2
Remove the four nuts from the heat shield and remove the shield. Note which manifold bolt positions have the threaded studs so you can put them back in the same positions during reassembly. Remove the manifold bolts and remove the manifold and manifold gaskets. Discard the gaskets. Inspect the mating surfaces and scrap as needed to make a smooth, clean face for the new gaskets.
Step 3
Position the exhaust manifold gasket and install the manifold. Tighten the manifold bolts to 18 foot-pounds starting from the center bolts and working out to each end. Install the manifold shield and nuts. Tighten the nuts to 72 inch-pounds and then loosen them 45 degrees.
Step 4
Lift the truck and support it on jack stands. Install the exhaust pipe gasket and mate the exhaust pipe to the manifold. Install the nuts and bolts and tighten them to 25 foot-pounds. Lower the truck to the ground.
Tips
- You may need to use penetrating oil on all the exhaust nuts and bolts. Give it overnight to soak in, if necessary. Don't break the exhaust studs.
Things You'll Need
- Wheel chocks
- Floor Jack
- Jack stands
- Wrench set
- Ratchet
- Socket set
- Scraper
- Exhaust manifold gasket
- Torque wrench
- Exhaust pipe gasket
