Dadgum Heat Shields. Help!

[Bearhawg]

I need help reinstalling the forward spark plug heat shields on my 350 with ram's horn manifolds. between 1-3 and 2-4 cylinders. I removed them to install the factory retainers so I can run the wires in the stock configuration. I struggled for an hour and finally got the drivers side installed. After two hours I admitted defeat and gave up on the passenger side. I know folks use strait boots and run over the top and some folks don't even use the factory heat shields however I'm going for completely factory stock look. I've tried using my hand, tape inside the socket, magnet and I just cant reinstall them.

I've heard mention of working from under the truck but from the looks of it that's not going to happen. motor mount is directly under the mounting location.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

[dmjlambert]

When I put my engine in I was so green and didn't know about dressing the engine before install. So I'm in the same position. I think one day I will just pull then engine and do all sorts of cosmetic stuff, like clean and paint, install those heat shields, and install the stock behind-the-engine spark plug wire holders.

[Bearhawg]

I get it. I have a rear main seal and oil pan leak I need to get after and I want to refinish my manifolds so pulling the engine makes a lot of sense I'm just not ready to go there quite yet.

[geezer#99]

Use a long extension and a knuckle joint. Put black tape around the knuckle to keep it from flopping around.

[Bearhawg]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Use a long extension and a knuckle joint. Put black tape around the knuckle to keep it from flopping around.

I found a stubby flex head ratchet I'm going to try but the tape on the knuckle is a great idea. Thanks!

[WIDESIDE72]

I know this isn;t much help to you, but the last ones I installed, I put them on the engine on the stand before I installed the manifolds. As mentioned above, use some tape on a u joint to keep it from being too flexible.