Things You'll Need:
- Propane torch
- Penetrating oil
- Socket wrench
- Socket set
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Step 1
Heat the area surrounding the bolt heads on the muffler to exhaust piping joint with a propane torch. Try to heat only the surrounding area and not the bolt head directly. Obviously the bolt will get hot, but the goal is to heat the metal surrounding the bolt so that it expands slightly around the bolt, making it easier to remove.
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Step 2
Spray the penetrating oil where the bolt head meets the mounting bracket on the muffler to exhaust piping joint. The penetrating oil will work its way behind the bolt head to loosen the bolt up and prevent it (or at least try) from seizing while you remove it. As soon as you spray the area, the penetrating oil will begin to smoke. This is normal since the area is extremely hot. Try not to breathe the fumes.
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Step 3
Turn the bolt head counterclockwise with a socket wrench. You may need to slide a break-over bar over the end of the socket wrench handle for more leverage. This process could take several hours if the bolts are seized, so you may need to repeat steps 1 and 2 several times. Once you spray the bolt heads with penetrating oil, a second heating could cause a small fire around the bolt head area due to the penetrating oil igniting. The oil should burn up quickly, and it should not do any permanent damage.
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Step 4
Slide the muffler off the rubber hanger that connects the muffler to the underside of the Dodge truck. Then, pull the diesel's muffler down to remove it.
