Downpipe bolt removal - best approach

[alvocado]

I need to remove the downpipe bolts on my '11 Yukon to get the cat pipe out of the way for a tranny fluid change. Aside from the typical frozen bolts which I've encountered on a previous truck, any advice on how to get a socket on them for removal? I hit them with penetrating oil this morning and tried to access each bolt head with combinations of extensions. The cats block the bolt heads so any advice from those who have done this would be appreciated. I considered a crowfoot wrench but will need to pick up a set if that's the best route.

[carnau]

Two of the nuts you can get with a straight socket and a long extension. I recommend using a 1/2in that way you don't loose alot of torque thru the shaft of a long 3/8 extension. The other nut is tricky. You can get to it through the fender well or by removing the oxygen sensor. I actually bought a special socket just for this. It's a semi-deep swivel socket. Mine is a Snapon but here is the equivalent on amazon. http://amzn.to/2ziz9sl

I use a 1/2 extension with an impact 1/2 to 3/8 reducer to use that socket and it works perfectly. Also make sure you're using 6 point sockets that way it don't round the nut off.  

[alvocado]

Thanks for the link to the swivel socket. I've seen standard flex sockets but they are as reliable as a u-joint socket adapters which don't hold up under heavy torque. I'll give this a try as I can't any combination to work on the bottom bolt and the crowfoot doesn't sufficiently grip without rounding the head. 

[sefiroxx]

Thanks for the link to the swivel socket. I've seen standard flex sockets but they are as reliable as a u-joint socket adapters which don't hold up under heavy torque. I'll give this a try as I can't any combination to work on the bottom bolt and the crowfoot doesn't sufficiently grip without rounding the head. 

Crows foot or wobble extensions will work as well

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