Installed new pipes last night and there is not enough room between the flange nut and pipe to get a socket head on it to torque it down. What do ya'll suggest? I'm thinking a crowfoot socket with a welded arm, but can't seem to find one.

 

do you have the heat shields on the new pipes … if so, remove them to get more room for the socket … you should be able to get a socket on all the flange nuts …

 

Sometimes you just need to use a wrench and trust the torque to your wrist.Cant get a socket on two of the four on my fatbob.

 

The frame downpipe gets in the way of the extension on one of mine, otherwise a 1/2" Craftsman socket fits just fine, even with the heatshields on.

 

The only ones I ever have an issue with are the top nuts because of the heat shields. I just use a 1/4 inch drive socket and extension and problem solved.

 

I use a swivel socket extension or a wobble extension and I have no problem on either bike

 

The proper combo of swivel joints, extensions, and short sockets works. It's a pain in the ***, but it's a must have for Harley work.

 

A lot of good suggestions above. I used a 1/4" drive and long extension to get it through..then use an 1/4" to 3/8" drive adapter with 3/8" swivel joint and socket.....if that makes sense. Only recall having this issue on the front head pipe.

 

Great idea using 1/4" drive, especially because you don't want to snap those studs!!!!

John