Reviews for Banks Power 51306 TorqueTubes Exhaust Manifold for 00-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ, TJ Unlimited, Grand Cherokee WJ & Cherokee XJ with 4.0L
BEST ON THE MARKET!
Perfect fit.
I purchased and installed this header pipe back in October of 2003 on my 2000 Jeep Wrangler. After 18 years one of the welds failed causing a noticeable exhaust leak. I contacted Banks who honored the limited lifetime warranty without any problems or hassle.
I took the advice of Steve H. In a prior review and got a 1/4 inch drive 14 mm six point swivel socket and 1/4" drive 12 inch extension to assist in the installation. The 14 mm is more of a presice fit than the 9/16.
I am not a certified mechanic, nor claim to be, but here is my advice after installing this header twice:
1. Follow the Banks directions to a T
2. Completely remove the head pipe
3. Use the for-mentioned tools
4. Take your time and pre spray bolts that might need it.
The installation is not easy, but with the right tools, isn't all that bad.
I am very happy with this header and Banks customer service is top notch.
This is the second TJ that I have installed this header on. This time, I removed the fender. Makes access a lot easier. I am an ASE master technician with over 40 years experience.
Follow the directions and your install will be straightforward. I was able to torque all the manifold bolts. Including the ‘impossible’ bolt behind the tube in the lower center location. I used a 1/4” drive swivel socket on that one bolt with 12” extension. It wasn’t easy, but it can be done.
The included lock nuts for the head pipe installation are difficult to use. I used regular grade 5 nuts with lock washers and blue loctite. Use antiseize on all manifold bolts during assembly.
A bit hard to get to the nuts for proper torque. But Happy overall
The Banks Torque Tube Header was a perfect fit and you’ll never deal with the cracking, loud stock manifolds again.
Torque tubes were exactly as described. Quality materials and craftmanship. Nice looking welds. I have above average mechanical skills and pretty complete tool kit and this install took me about 12 hours. This time would have been cut in half if I had removed the driver side tire and fender first. Instead I struggled, stretched, sweated and yes sweared for hours with very little progress. After removing the tire and fender tightening the lower manifold bolts is still a challenge but doable and the install finished up quickly. After install my jeep has a much deeper tone and more power throughout the RPM range. This product is worth the price and install trouble.
Expectations met in terms of quality, fit and finsh. Sounds great at start up cold, around town and highway. Slight power increase, but Mostly noticable in the higher RPM band, 2600 - 3500 range and up. No difference in My fuel economy, + or - city or highway at all.
Newly installed on my 2005 TJ Rubicon, fit properly with no modification required, good sound and appear to have high quality welds at all joints and seams. They are a bit difficult to install due to proximity of down pipes to lower 4 bolts but manageable with standard open end wrenches and some patience. I Recommend inspecting or replacing manifold to head bolts/studs while you have them apart. Mine were severely worn where the washers sit.
Part arrived packed well. Hardware was missing, someone threw in some nuts and bolts that would not work, really quite a joke. Called Banks and the representative there was awesome, sent the correct hardware next day shipment. Kudos for the Banks Team! As for the installation, three points, 1st - knowing what I know now, just pull the motor, OR 2nd - remove the left front fender, OR, 3rd - take it to a trusted shop and "pay the guy". I've been turning wrenches for a long time (40 plus years) and this was a lot of work and quite a challenge. Trust me, just pick one of the three options. The bottom bolts are quite challenging (next to impossible), to say the least. The motor mount, engine mounting plate, had to be removed and a 1/4" cut off the top, fuel lines disconnected, just a whole lot of work. After the installation, so far the Torque Tubes are great, a good sound, not loud, but a good little rumble.