Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cracked Exhaust Manifold

[Nate]

Are the exhaust manifold fairly common to crack? I seached on here, but didn't see anything.



From what I can see, it looks like mine is cracked on the underside where the two "pipes" meet and head into the turbo.



Just wondering if I should put another stock one on or look for an aftermarket one?

 

[Signal73]

In my limited time into dodges ive seen 2 busted in the same spot you describe so Id say its pretty common. Look into a HTT or ATS manifold they can be had for less then 400 if you shop around and are desinged better so they wont crack.

 

[DDeputy]

Had to replace the one on my 98. 5 and was told at the time that it was common. The stock one they replaced it with has made it to 365K. I think the orginal was at about 100K.

 

[Supermod56]

Nate, I got a stock one in my garage you can have for nuttin, PM me for my phone # at the house in Meridian. I'm in Afghanistan, but the wife can hook you up!! I went with the ATS for better flow, got a good deal on it on TDR.



Tom

 

[bmoeller]

My stocker shrank on me. All but 2 of the bolts were bent. The ATS is a much better manifold. HTT didn't have their on the market at the time, but have seen them in person since. Both are nice pieces.

 

[CDenton]

Mine broke at the same place, it's a problem. The new style they put on has had no problems. That was 80k ago.

 

[Nate]

You know what the weird thing is, just Friday night one of my friends (Duramax owner) asked me if I ever had to replace the manifold from it cracking. (I guess his Dad has a Cummins and they had to replace the manifold)



I told him nope, never heard of them cracking... (how dare he question the mighty Cummins?) haha.

 

[rweis]

I put the ATS 3 piece oen on 40k ago for better flow, 3 pieces so it can flex, WAY heavier tube walls (about 2x thickness).



HOWEVER a word of caution.



READ several threads about keeping the non stock manifolds bolted up correctly (one of the threads I started). Because they have larger tubes there are 2 OEM bolts that do not work because fo the mechanical interfearance of the OEM bolt and the tube (10 work fine). I have a long thread about keeping the correct torque on these two locations. There is a elastic / plastic, bolt / stud issue that is not "just torque it tighter".



Also there is a TSB about the "dog bone" stainless steel OEM manifold bolt keepers (which work very well).



Bob Weis

 

[LukeW]

i just replaced mine last week, i was cracked all the way around where the turbo mounts up, i ended up putting a ATS manifold on. you can find them real cheap on ebay for about 400 bucks

 

[OPoole]

98. 5-99 are common to crack the later 24v manifold are made better. The aftermarket manifold do have there benefits. Be glad to help out with one ATS or HTT.

 

[Nate]

$400 is not "real cheap" for me right now so I'll put another stocker on and call it good for a while.