Huge Pacesetter LT issue!

[Rye 21]

I installed my Pacesetter's yesterday, and everything went OK. The truck sounded the balls, until I went to put it in drive! It seems that the front driveshaft doesnt have enough clearence around one of the primary tubes, and gouged a huge hole into the pipe, so much so that there is a few small pinholes in the pipe now. The damage you see is from less then 200ft of driving. I contacted them and can tell that they want to give me hard time about it. Its almost like they dont belive me. I sent them pictures, so we'll see what they do.

Heres some pics!

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r204/73Camaro_photo/Pacesetterheaderproblems001.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r204/73Camaro_photo/Pacesetterheaderproblems002.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r204/73Camaro_photo/Pacesetterheaderproblems004.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r204/73Camaro_photo/Pacesetterheaderproblems003.jpg

[TheBigMortboski]

I'm sure you got the ones that were 4wd specific, eh?

[JWolfe75]

ouch....


what part number is stamped on the flange?

[Rye 21]

Yes they are made for a 4x4, and the part # is 70-2265.

They want me to pay $130 for a new one and I have to send my old one back....


ugh

[Outlawz2004]

I would just make a small scooped shaped patch and weld it up.

[XLR8N]

I would tell them I bought specific headers that were supposed to fit my vehicle and I want a brand new one, for free.

[Rye 21]

UPDATE

So heres the deal:

I ended up paying less then the $130 that they told me... BUT...

They said that they didnt have any coated ones left, so It would take a week for them to coat one (Yeah right) before they could ship it. I agreed with this, and told them to do it. A week goes by without hearing from them. I call them up and they thought I was a crazy person, so I told them the whole story again, and then they remembered me. I told them that Im a college student, and I need my truck, but they wernt having it. Not even a sorry out of them. I told them its been over a week, and the sooner this problem goes away the better. They agree, and shipped the header out that day. I was happy until they sent me an email saying that it wont arrive till NEXT Tuesday! Wtf that will make this whole issue a 2 week long thing. Then they want me to ship the old header out to them as soon as I get theirs.



F**k you Pacesetter

[Quyonmob]

Why do they want your old header, photos are pretty clear, and it's yours to do what you want with. Make them buy it from you, they made you buy a new one and wait 2 weeks.

Fvckin' BS for customer service if that is the right PN for your application.

On the other hand, why do your u-joint strap bolts look brand new? What is under the head of them, stacked washers? Is that normal? (i'll have a look at mine). Is your slip yoke still moving, or is it pulling on the diff's yoke?

[Rye 21]

Why do they want your old header, photos are pretty clear, and it's yours to do what you want with. Make them buy it from you, they made you buy a new one and wait 2 weeks.

Fvckin' BS for customer service if that is the right PN for your application.

On the other hand, why do your u-joint strap bolts look brand new? What is under the head of them, stacked washers? Is that normal? (i'll have a look at mine). Is your slip yoke still moving, or is it pulling on the diff's yoke?

It is the correct part#, they even said so themselfs. They claim that someone must of messed up the header while it was on the jig.

The bolts arent regular steel, I dont know what they are but the rear drivshaft is also like that, they dont rust like other bolts. Its the original U Joint. The things under the bolts are little steel straps that go under the bolt head and tie into the other bolt, they are U shaped. They are an original GM Thing, Im positive your truck has them also.

Pacesetter is being a real ****bag about it

[Quyonmob]

It is the correct part#, they even said so themselfs. They claim that someone must of messed up the header while it was on the jig.

The bolts arent regular steel, I dont know what they are but the rear drivshaft is also like that, they dont rust like other bolts. Its the original U Joint. The things under the bolts are little steel straps that go under the bolt head and tie into the other bolt, they are U shaped. They are an original GM Thing, Im positive your truck has them also.

Pacesetter is being a real ****bag about it

Yep, didn't realize that was the actual U-joint strap where the photo cut off.

If they made a mistake on the jig, how should this cost you a penny? I would be MAD.

[XLR8N]

Maybe they are stainless bolts. Can't tell plus the picture didn't upload.

[custm2500]

You didn't notice this when you installed them? I say it is there fault but you should have caught this before it ruined the header.

[Zimsilverado]

Another satisfied Pacesetter customer. Sorry to hear.

[Rye 21]

You didn't notice this when you installed them? I say it is there fault but you should have caught this before it ruined the header.

The driveshaft was turned to the smallest side when I put it in, as everything cleared when installed. It rubbed when the driveshaft turned to its widest point. If the truck was just 2" forward or backwards I wouldnt have had this issue because It wouldnt of fit.

Regardless, Its their fault, and they're a bunch of **** heads

[Outlawz2004]

For one, I would not have paid the extra money. Second of all, I sure as hell wouldnt send that one back after you already paid for it, like stated, its yours to do with as you please. I would have just welded it up like I said earlier in the thread and been done with it.

[Rye 21]

For one, I would not have paid the extra money. Second of all, I sure as hell wouldnt send that one back after you already paid for it, like stated, its yours to do with as you please. I would have just welded it up like I said earlier in the thread and been done with it.

I was going to, but I just couldnt bring myself to weld up a $500 set of headers.

Im probably not going to send the old one back, but they have my CC info and I dont want them charging me for whatevr reason.

I have to wait until atleast tuesday to get my truck back on the road. This sucks.

[custm2500]

Let them charge you. Then you can sue them and more then pay for the entire headers!

Also the point I was making is that there should have been more then 1/2" of clearance around the drive shaft. We all miss things ocationaly but when installing things, especialy aftermarket on a vehical you must make sure it isn't going to interfer with other parts. Just think if this was a wire. Possibly your truck would be burnt to the ground. Point being double and tripple check everything when installing stuff.

[Koots]

You didn't notice this when you installed them? I say it is there fault but you should have caught this before it ruined the header.

:word:

Just because it was "meant" to fit your truck, doesn't mean it will. I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way, but it seems every single damn part I buy, I have to modify it to fit. Now i'm sure you understand how important it is to test fit things before you go on a test drive.

BUT! You are not at fault, this is purely their issue. If you caught the header before it was damaged, you would still have to return it to them. I would go with everyone else and say, keep your beat up header, screw them and if they try anything funny on you, then you be the customer from hell.

[Rye 21]

:word:

Just because it was "meant" to fit your truck, doesn't mean it will. I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way, but it seems every single damn part I buy, I have to modify it to fit. Now i'm sure you understand how important it is to test fit things before you go on a test drive.

BUT! You are not at fault, this is purely their issue. If you caught the header before it was damaged, you would still have to return it to them. I would go with everyone else and say, keep your beat up header, screw them and if they try anything funny on you, then you be the customer from hell.

Oh belive me, I know things dont fit when they should. The headers on my Monte SS were a real pain, I had to unbolt the motor mounts, and notch the ear on the Pass side control arm. Even then they fought the whole way in.

If I knew this header was going to self destruct, I would have fixed it myself before this happend. You think I want to go through this? lol

The clearence was tight when I put it in, but it cleared. I figured thats how they were made, because I never heard of anyone having this issue.

Bottom line: Pacesetter fvcked up, and their being assclowns about it. They aint getting their old header back, its going to be garage art I guess.

[Koots]

I don't blame you for being mad, It's just that i've ruined parts because they seemed to fit and pretty much were ruined as soon as i started the engine (like the first TC i ever replaced :lol:).

Watching some money go up in smoke like that, makes you extra careful of it in the future. It's just me speaking from unfortunate experience :cheer:

[Rye 21]

Its all good I guess, I mean, theres nothing I can do about it now so whatever.

The truck sounded the absolute balls when it was running though. I cant wait till its done......again

[wayne220]

A good muffler or welding shop can fix that for you quite easy. Cut and rearrange the tubing so the it clears the axle. Please notice I said "good" shop, not the ones that go "i think i can" lol. I have done my own a time or to.

[Rye 21]

A good muffler or welding shop can fix that for you quite easy. Cut and rearrange the tubing so the it clears the axle. Please notice I said "good" shop, not the ones that go "i think i can" lol. I have done my own a time or to.

I could cut it apart, but after spending so much on the exhaust I dont want some cut up thing missing coating in places. If it was just a painted header I would cut it up and make it work.

[Tigwldr]

Thats terrible. I've seen quite a few threads about Pacesetters headers regarding fit and finish, never resulting in the posotive.
I hope everything works out. If not. Honestly, I'd ask for a refund and buy another brand.

[quad700]

I would be pissed,no excuse they should manufacture correctly.Thats what you buy aftermarket for,hoping to be better not worse.