Tigabu;12840 wroteCheck that the threads on the manifold to downpipe are free all the way up. You may be getting a false 'bind' due to rust/cauterisation of the threads...
I replaced the studs and nuts, studs are all the way in, did that when the manifold was off. Will check it again when I remove it again, will cleanup all the mating surfaces and reassemble. Hopefully, all will be well!