I have a 2000 with California cats and the hanger for the exhaust pipe that connects the manifold down pipe to the catalytic converter broke. I welded some rod to temporarily hold it but now the forward flange is opened up and leaking. The flange bolts on both ends are very corroded. I am ordering the new pipe and 2 flange gaskets Walker parts 53440 and 31625. I have a few questions about the flange bolts... when removing the old pipe I assume I can grind off the remaining bolt heads and the flange should separate? Should I expect problems getting the bolts out are they welded studs? And lastly what bolts do I reattach the flanges with? Anything specific in type, length pitch or torque?


Thanks,


J