Cracked Header

[Camodude622]

Recently discovered my header is cracked right before the flange that connects to the down pipe. I have a 1998 4.0 so what brand does everyone recommend I go with? Not very interested in the banks or borla as I hear they have cracking problems and don't change the sound. If my sound isn't changing, I'm not paying $500! I'm liking the dorman OEM style with the flex joints for around $200. Very enticed by the ebay t-304 stainless with the flex joints for $70. Doesn't sound like the most fun job to do, so if the ebay headers aren't going to hold up, let me know!

I'm also interested in getting some rumble out of the jeep. Everything that has to do with exhaust looks nice and rusted. Since the headers don't affect the sound much, what are some good upgrades from the flange back to look into. Not very interested in buying an entire cat-back system but would like ideas for my local exhaust shop.

Thanks for any help!

 

[AndyG]

You’re going to get your best sound from the muffler you choose

@SamwiseGamJeep Is pretty careful about what he does and he decided just to go with the least expensive header sold so that he could replace them when needed and basically do his own warranty work

I have a banks and I think I’m looking at my third replacement due to cracking and I would be money ahead if I had done what he did

Also if some other guys will chime in there has been some talk about whether to use a flex joint or not to prevent cracking

On my 2003 the shop removed the rear catalytic converter and did a Flowmaster- it sounds really really good- @Mike Z can testify to that-
Like a v8 nearly but not obnoxious.

Good luck

 

[Camodude622]

You’re going to get your best sound from the muffler you choose

@SamwiseGamJeep Is pretty careful about what he does and he decided just to go with the least expensive header sold so that he could replace them when needed and basically do his own warranty work

I have a banks and I think I’m looking at my third replacement due to cracking and I would be money ahead if I had done what he did

Also if some other guys will chime in there has been some talk about whether to use a flex joint or not to prevent cracking

On my 2003 the shop removed the rear catalytic converter and did a Flowmaster- it sounds really really good- @Mike Z can testify to that-
Like a v8 nearly but not obnoxious.

Good luck

Appreciate the response! I would love to hear your jeep if there's a way you can get a video to me.

 

[AndyG]

Appreciate the response! I would love to hear your jeep if there's a way you can get a video to me.

If you want to p.m. me your phone number I can send you a video when I get home this evening

I cannot get anything to load on to the forum for some reason

Or you can text me at 256-990-4394 and I’ll save the number and text you back when I’m home later this evening

You may get a little bit more noise out of the header from brand brand but I can’t swear to it - I really think the majority of it you get from the muffler.

All the best
Andy

 

[Camodude622]

If you want to p.m. me your phone number I can send you a video when I get home this evening

I cannot get anything to load on to the forum for some reason

Or you can text me at 256-990-4394 and I’ll save the number and text you back when I’m home later this evening

You may get a little bit more noise out of the header from brand brand but I can’t swear to it - I really think the majority of it you get from the muffler.

All the best
Andy

messaged you!

 

[Mike Z]

You’re going to get your best sound from the muffler you choose

@SamwiseGamJeep Is pretty careful about what he does and he decided just to go with the least expensive header sold so that he could replace them when needed and basically do his own warranty work

I have a banks and I think I’m looking at my third replacement due to cracking and I would be money ahead if I had done what he did

Also if some other guys will chime in there has been some talk about whether to use a flex joint or not to prevent cracking

On my 2003 the shop removed the rear catalytic converter and did a Flowmaster- it sounds really really good- @Mike Z can testify to that-
Like a v8 nearly but not obnoxious.

Good luck

Hard to believe a 4.0 could sound like that, but it did. Nice, low rumble.

 

[jeepguy03]

I would definitely put a flex joint downstream between the manifold and the cat. The flex joints in the improved manifold design help some, but don't totally eliminate the potential for cracking. Also make sure your engine mounts are in good shape, it's a perfect time to replace them and they can impact the flex of the engine with the exhaust as well.

 

[SamwiseGamJeep]

Hard to believe a 4.0 could sound like that, but it did. Nice, low rumble.

You’re going to get your best sound from the muffler you choose

@SamwiseGamJeep Is pretty careful about what he does and he decided just to go with the least expensive header sold so that he could replace them when needed and basically do his own warranty work

I have a banks and I think I’m looking at my third replacement due to cracking and I would be money ahead if I had done what he did

Also if some other guys will chime in there has been some talk about whether to use a flex joint or not to prevent cracking

On my 2003 the shop removed the rear catalytic converter and did a Flowmaster- it sounds really really good- @Mike Z can testify to that-
Like a v8 nearly but not obnoxious.

Good luck

Definitely satisfied with my $75 manifold, been removed and replaced once for the engine build, and almost two years, still doing great. Based on Andy's experience with his High buck set up, def. happy.
I'm also happy with my stock 22 year old muffler and exhaust system. sounds excellent and one thing I haven't had to change lol!