Trying to remove my exhaust on my 07 5.3 4wd Suburban...

passenger side has all 3 flange nut removed. Driver side has 2 removed and one that appears to have welded itself to the stud (see pics). Anyways, before I end up cutting off the stud and nut, I thought I would post here for a possible solution that can salvage the stud itself. Between a nut splitter and drill, I have severed the nut but its still holding onto the stud as if its part of the stud.

Let me here what you guys would do at his point?

thanks

 

I would try soaking the stud with Blaster at the top on the exhaust manifold itself and then try to back out the stud. It looks like the stud is already damaged and needs replacing anyway. It's worth a try!

 

so basically back it out downward using a pair of vice grips along with oil and heat?

I was hoping to break off that nut and salvage the stud by installing a spacer for the damaged area followed by a new nut.

 

You would be in great shape if you are able to remove the stud and thread in a new stud. Looks to me that maybe the end of that stud is shaped to accept a socket.

 

In that the nut is trashed and the end of the stud is beyond use by any socket, I would suggest taking a torch to the manifold and vice-grips to the stud. Once the manifold is red-hot, take the vice-grips to the stud and back it out. Use appropriate safety precautions!