So my 05 LJ muffler is starting to rust apart, but more importantly the tail pipe rear most hanger is gone, and it is a bit bent at the rear opening..... so what is you'alls recommendations? I am not disillusioned that some singer sewing machine sounding muffler is going to give me 100+ HP and make my LJ jump buildings in a single bound, but I would not mind shedding some weight and that massive (looks very similar to a 55 gallon oil drum, come to think of it) muffler......thoughts?
LJ catback recommendations
- Thread starter FireJeep
- Start date
Don't waste your money on one of those overpriced "catback" systems.
The smart thing to do is go to your local exhaust shop and have them build you a catback exhaust. I did this on both of my TJs, my XJs, and various other vehicles. Each time it costs around $250, and you get an exhaust that is just as good as any of those "catback" systems they sell online.
It's a complete waste of money to buy those systems online that come in kits. They cost on average 50% more, but you gain nothing more from them.
The smart thing to do is go to your local exhaust shop and have them build you a catback exhaust. I did this on both of my TJs, my XJs, and various other vehicles. Each time it costs around $250, and you get an exhaust that is just as good as any of those "catback" systems they sell online.
It's a complete waste of money to buy those systems online that come in kits. They cost on average 50% more, but you gain nothing more from them.
I have used this setup on 3 of my Jeeps and it is top notch stuff. I will put one on mine within the next couple months. http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5337789113&icep_item=323430041998
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Chris is right - go to an independent muffler shop that does performance exhaust systems (not Midas or Meineke or their ilk). There are several Magnaflow and Flowmaster mufflers that will fit and that won't drone. Avoid glasspacks unless you like excessive noise and want to go deaf at an early age.
I am using a Flowmaster Super HP2 in my LJ.
https://www.flowmastermufflers.com/flowmaster/street-mufflers/super-hp-2/
I am using a Flowmaster Super HP2 in my LJ.
https://www.flowmastermufflers.com/flowmaster/street-mufflers/super-hp-2/
I do went with Banks Jeep Power system.
If you go offroad often I do recommend not install the tip or remove it when wheeling. I do eliminate the third cat too when ad this system and planning to bring it to a muffler shop to deviate the pipes a little but the muffler will stay. Keep on mind that my LJ is a wheeling Jeep not see pavement much anymore.
@Chris and @Mr. Bills advice is good as well, I'm just a DIY guys and like to be hands on way too much!
If you go offroad often I do recommend not install the tip or remove it when wheeling. I do eliminate the third cat too when ad this system and planning to bring it to a muffler shop to deviate the pipes a little but the muffler will stay. Keep on mind that my LJ is a wheeling Jeep not see pavement much anymore.
@Chris and @Mr. Bills advice is good as well, I'm just a DIY guys and like to be hands on way too much!
Positively and absolutely! Catback kits sold online are WAY overpriced, any good local muffler shop can give you exactly what you want for less $$$.
In my research for a 2005 LJ rear exhaust I have found it to be the same price for the rear exhaust if you buy a Banks or similar aftermarket kit as opposed to the local muffler shop. This could be regional but I would rather install a Banks exhaust at $250 rather than pay the same price for a local shop to do it.
@FireJeep I would price out a local shop to compare with the off the shelf ones under $300. The ones priced over $300 are generally made with upgraded 304 stainless steel, which is not necessary for the jeep.
MBRP even has a muffler relocate version for off road jeeps, priced at $170 with free shipping.
https://www.quadratec.com/categorie...k_systems?f[0]=pm_commerce_price:[100 TO 300]
@FireJeep I would price out a local shop to compare with the off the shelf ones under $300. The ones priced over $300 are generally made with upgraded 304 stainless steel, which is not necessary for the jeep.
MBRP even has a muffler relocate version for off road jeeps, priced at $170 with free shipping.
https://www.quadratec.com/categorie...k_systems?f[0]=pm_commerce_price:[100 TO 300]
How loud is that system? Banks stuff is usually much loader than stock, I know on the JK the sound does quite "fit" a wrangler
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Not loud at all. It even gives it a little rumble at idle, but going down the road a 70mph you can't even here it.
On my TJ Unlimited with Auto is not way to much louder. You mostly feel it cause you know is there. Outside you will notice more and when you rev for a reason once at speed not so much. I do really like it.
Love my Banks cat-back for my 2005 TJ, not too loud at all! Not sure how much they are for an LJ, but the TJ unit was only 230 shipped on Amazon. Easy install. The tip will conflict with a hitch receiver from what I have read on a TJ, so take that into consideration as well. Not sure if it is the same on an LJ or not. If I was going off-road, I would have a shop install something short and stubby for best clearance.
The LJ has a similarl issue as the TJ with regards to the hitch receiver. There is a Mopar Borla exhaust that has a similar issue. I do have a trailer hitch, so is the issue that the piping will run into the trailer hitch?
"On vehicles with a trailer hitch, PN 82208473 exhaust tip must be used to eliminate interference with Trailer Hitch."
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5337789113&icep_item=322977359028
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From what I have seen and read, you just need a different exhaust tip installed that curves down and out of the way from where the hitch attaches to the frame (rear right side). I believe Banks has a different tip they sell with this design, or a muffler shop would have something as well. It is unfortunate though, since I really like the look of the tip that comes with the Banks. A nice tip isn’t cheap either. I would hate to lose it if I would install a hitch, but luckily I just installed a hitch on another vehicle we have so it isn’t an issue for me.
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My LJ has a Banks system installed by the PO. Maybe it's the hard top, but I think it's too loud. When cruising at 2000 RPM it's OK, but at RPM above about 2500, I don't like it. Maybe I'm too old 
It does sound good, but if I were to try and sneak into a hunting spot, I'd be afraid it would scare away the game.
It does sound good, but if I were to try and sneak into a hunting spot, I'd be afraid it would scare away the game.
Agreed, no wrong answer. A new average-priced cat back exhaust is pretty much the same price as going to an exhaust shop.
@skrelnik "is pretty much the same price as going to an exhaust shop."
Sure I understand that the pricing is the same...my "why" question was asking that with all things being equal why would you choose to not spend locally?