Probably a stupid question here but I have tried unsucessfully and figure there MUST be a better way...
I need to drop my catback exhaust but I can't get those 20 year old rubber circle hangers to stretch enough to get over the hooks. I'm at the point where I'm about to cut them but, are they available at Autozone or wherever and will I be able to get the new ones to stretch??
OR, am I a total moron and there's the "easy" button here somewhere?

Thanks,
CW

 

put a jack under the exhaust right where the rubber hanger is. Jack it up to relieve some of the tension on your doughnut.

Put a screwdriver into the doughnut, then work the screwdriver on to the edge of the hook. Pry the doughnut over the hook using the screwdriver and as long as you can keep the screwdriver stuck on the hook, the doughnut will slide down the screwdriver and be clear of the hook. Make sure it's a nice long screwdriver.

Or, you can do like my 86 did. Took it to get it inspected along with my 87. Was following my fiance (she was driving the 86) and saw something hanging from the car underneat. I was like... wtf? We get to the inspection shop and they get it up on the lift. The section with the 2 hooks for the doughnuts rusted and popped off. Just threw it away and let the rest of the hooks take care of the job.

Yesterday when I changed out my driveshaft on the 86, it was alot easier to drop the exhaust. Only had to pull the muffler hooks, and 2 rubber hangers at the beginning of the Y pipe. MUCH less hassle than last time I had to do it with those stupid doughnuts =)

 

or....the hooks are held on by bolts

 

I got out my trusty Dremmel with a cut-off wheel & shortened the steel hooks about 1/2".

Then they pried off much easier.

 

I just pry them off with a screwdriver..