Is it easy enough to replace just that portion of the exhaust without taking everything off?

I got a complete exhaust from another 00 RK and the rear pipe going into the engine is fine.

How hard is this for a normal guy I am not a gearhead but hate paying mechanics upwards of 80 bucks an hour...

anyone done this any coments suggestions or let the pros do it?

 

It's not hard at all.

 

... until you break an exhaust stud ....

[Even then, it's not that hard ... but, the 'freak-out' factor is considerably higher ....]

If you do break an exhaust stud, check back ... we'll 'talk you down' off the ledge ...

 

so i shoudl invest in a can of wd40 and spray everything like mad... lol

I have one guy that works for 69/hour if it took less than an hour i wouldnt mind but im thinking it will be longer than that.

 

Better still, get some penetrating spray like kroil / aerokroil ... make quick work of it ....

If you haven't had the exhaust flanges off, there is a retaining ring that can generally be removed and reinstalled on the new head pipe with a pair of pliers ....

It is a topic of great controversy "stock versus Screamin Eagle" exhaust gaskets ... I recommend SE ....

It is all pretty much just removing and replacing bolts and nuts ....

 

Pull it off the bike, and take it to a good welder.
Install in reverse order, with Cometic gaskets.
Scott

 

it looks liek it was welded before.. I was unaware of this being a problem on these models, in the future ill check ..

I got the other exhaust for 20 bucks so i dont mind ...

 

It's probably the factory weld that broke.

 

could be I cant tell lol. either way for 20 bucks ill take the "new" part, Harley wants 260 bucks for that ....!!!!!

 

Take a look at the other pipes as well. I just went through this last fall. Paid for the new "Y" pipe from HD, waited 8 weeks because it was on back order. Picked it up, took my stock exhaust apart, found the the front pipe, and the pipe that runs from the "Y" pipe to the left muffler both had cracks in them. My bike's an '03 Road King, with 60k miles. I decided to go with Rush true duals, which were cheaper than buying new stock stuff. Very happy, other than I've got this brand new "Y" pipe that I spent $160 on. One other note, if you have anything welded, the welder needs to know how to preheat and so on, or it'll crack again right next to the weld.