ok so i am trying to get my beast back on the road, and after figuring out the bolt lay out (correct bolts for correct holes on the manifold) and replacing the gaskets at both ends, thinking the leak had been at the flange, i finish refit to find that i had fix the smaller of two exhaust leaks. the one robing all my power in exchange for a load tick is somewhere on or near where the manifold and the head seal. I used all new gaskets, and the leak was there before my refit, so i have a problem. can u crack a head to where it just leaks exhaust? does anyone know the torque pattern for my 96 4.0 V8? should i remove the manifold and try new gaskets with high heat copper silicone? the leak can be felt if i reach around the back of the manifold and feel between the cylinder head and the back of the manifold, that is why i asked about the cracked head, and i dont see any sings of a blown head gasket. please please help soon if u know anything.

 

The exhaust manifolds on these trucks come cracked from the factory, have you tried replacing the manifolds yet?
They are not that expensive.
Or remove yours and have them inspected for cracks, then weld any cracks shut and you'll be good to go for another 100 miles or so. lol

 

Passenger side? I am tracking down the same leak. New manifold and gaskets, and I am thinking it is coming from a bad head gasket now...