I'm going to have to take the Y-pipe off my pick-up to fix an exhaust leak. I know the chances of breaking the studs are very high so my question is..............

Would an air impact gun have less chance of breaking the studs off than a regular socket and bar?

I really don't want to have to drill out broken studs.

Impact has less chance of breaking because it provides consistent torque to the fastener, and it'll be less likely to twist and break (short hammers as opposed to constant twisting torque).

Soak 'em good with PB Blaster first. Or any other very light oil or penetrant.

Thanks, I'll soak em good overnight and use the air tools.