Coming home this afternoon, and my truck suddenly got a little louder. It actually sounded pretty cool. I thought I'd just leave it alone awhile. Buuuuut, before I got home, it got SUPER loud, and I found this, when I pulled over:



So, what do you guys think I should do with this? I think I could almost bolt that back together? Or should I replace it with new? It's ALL the original stuff under there, so it's 15 years old. I've often wondered what shape the cat was in, should I replace everything? Money's tight, so I hate to do any more than necessary, but I do plan on keeping this thing for a loooong time, so I don't want to half-butt things if I can help it. Suggestions?

Thats minor! bolt it back together.. it'll buy you enough time to save up enough to replace it all, or till it rusts out after winter. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Tax season is coming soon, and you've got another kid! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Bolt that back together. My Raider broke in the same spot a few years ago. I bolted it back and it was fine till the welds on that side let go. Then I bolted a glass pack on an enjoyed the new tone. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Edit: is that a leak I see on that input shaft on your axle??? hmmm sounds to me like you could use a new 3rd member. Mines still for sale btw <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I know you were saying money's tight (and believe me I understand!) but I recently upgraded to a 2 1/4 inch pipe and a flow master style (knock off of course!) muffler when I replaced my exhaust about 8 months ago. I spend about 110 bucks, it sounds great and I did notice my engine running consistently cooler in the florida heat. I know cooling is such a major concern with these rigs that why I brought it up......

Yeah, I noticed that on the 3rd. You need to fix that leak. Looks to me like the studs have broken off. You might need to cut them off and drill two holes on the same place and use a nuh and bolt (with washers of course!) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

What leak? It's been like that for YEARS. If I mess with it, it might get worse I'm going to see if I can get that mess bolted back together. I like the way it sounds with just the straight pipe! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" /> But man, it SUUUURE takes away from the performance of the engine. The RPMs zip up a lot faster, and you don't feel anything happening. lol Must be a lot of power loss there. I would think that going to a larger diameter pipe could hurt power? No? Yes?
Thanks for the input guys.

that's how a muffler reduces noise, by restricting the exhaust flow. Therefore, the ascending pistons meet more pressure in attempting to push the exhaust gas out, sapping power. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Really? Man, mine felt like it had LESS power with the less restriction. I thought it was something to do with back pressure? I know my dirt bikes run crappy without enough back pressure, but then again, those are 2 strokes so maybe it's not even relevant. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

My old 92 had similar. I put two small c-clamps on the flange and drove fine for a year. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, I know <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Not enough exhaust is bad too...