Chevy & GMC Vans

Heat is the trick. If you don't have a torch take it to someone who does.

What sort of torch? I have propane, and of course I could go pick up some MAPS gas which will give me more heat than propane. If I have to oxy/acetelyne then I don't have one, although that is something I would like to get simply because it is another form of welding I would like to learn, and it has so many other uses.

Oxy/acetylene. I don't think a day goes by that I don't use mine.

Got her out with a long drive to heat the exhaust as much as possible, followed by using the breaker bar and a 7/8 socket. New one is in, but not plugged in yet.

Edit:

Once the exhaust cooled I could get my hands in to route the wires and get it plugged in. Took her for a test drive, and no codes.

Now to finish fixing the exhaust, and I can turn all my efforts to the van for a while.

breaker bars are your friend...I have a 24" breaker myself. Wish I'd gotten it a long time ago.

The biggest thing that stopped me from being able to use the breaker bar is that the socket that fit was the wrong size for my breaker bar. I needed some more sockets and Princess Auto had some on sale so all things worked out.

I have to agree, breaker bars, penetrating oil, and heat are all great to have.

Good to know you got her beat.

hmmm I solved that problem with a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter and a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter. Nothing escapes the beater bar or Ruddy junior ( rubber mallet ). Ruddy senior is my 7 lb. sledge hammer.