Bikeman71

My 2012 JKU Rubicon is down at the shop getting a 3.5" AEV lift put on it. I had previously purchased a AFE Y Pipe and brought it to the shop to have installed during the process. The mechanic (ASE Certified and tons of 4x4 experience) can't get the y pipe to line up properly..... Specifically getting the ends to align at the bugle. I went down to take a look at it myself and it seems that the jig was off when the pipe was welded. It's about 3/4 of a pipe off and takes brute force to get the two ends to line up. He's afraid this is going to put too much pressure on the system compromising the catalytic converter Down-pipe, etc.

Again I trust this guy a ton....he's in Placerville and is the best/closest shop to the Rubicon...he's constantly working/fabbing up much tougher stuff than this. Anyone else with similar problems? Ideas or advice?

Pjohn

Are you talking about connecting to the headers/exhaust manifold or the other end of the pipe.

I just installed this pipe a week ago.

Did he tighten the clamp on the y section before everything was lined up?
Only think I can think is to slide the connection at the y in or out so it lines up better. Calling the manufacture may help too.
I can turn a wrench but I am no professional.

Good luck.

Bikeman71

Exhaust manifold right at the bugle. No bolts have been tightened.

Pjohn

I lined up the driver side first and then the passenger. My pipe was a little tight maybe a 1/4 inch or less on the passenger. After messing with the Y connection it lined up fine but the pipe was really close to the transmission mount. So close it was bothering me. The next day I went under to adjust it and it looked like the pipe was hitting the mount, so I loosened the passenger and y connection and spread the pipe so it is a little further from the mount.

I have a manual jku, don't know if it matters.

Bikeman71

Here's a picture of the problem area.

I'm not sure unbolting the passenger side and starting with the drivers side would do much good....everything is so loose that it should line up with no problem.

You can kind of tell how the Y Pipe is angled downward and away from the bugle....it honestly takes a millitary press action when standing under the vehicle to get the pipes to align.



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Pjohn

Did he disconnect the hanger past where the new pipe connects to the old?

Bikeman71

Nope, that is still connected.

Thanks for sticking with me on this!

Bikeman71

Do you think disconnecting the hangers could be that crucial?

Pjohn

Disconnect that hanger and it should all fall into place. It may be a bit tight but the hanger will go back on. I disconnected the hanger from the exhaust and left the rubber connected to the body. When it was all connected the rubber was behind the hanger ( towards the rear ) . I had to flip the rubber over the top so it was towards the front so it would go back on.

I'll pm you my number if you need a verbal explanation.

Bikeman71

Many, many, many thanks. I'll ask him to give it a shot in the AM.