owners. I have the system and have seen that there is a problem with one of the hangers not lining up since the mounting whole is covered up by the hitch. Is this the only problem? Is it DIY other than that. I have called several exhaust places in Colorado Springs and they quote me around $150 to install. They say the DIY systems are rarely DIY and several modifications have to me made to make it fit right. I know hottexhaust was rebating up to $80 so I didn't think it would cost more than that. For those that have installed it themselves, are there any tips? For those that paid, what price did you pay? I have the 16614 cat back system.


Thanks,

Brian

 

I have the 15834 SIDO installed on my 04 FX4. Ran into the same problem with their rear hanger brackets and the factory hitch. You have to modify the mounts. Drop the spare and mount the hangers on the inboard side of the frame. I used some shims to get things to line up better. Turns out the factory hitch uses the hole that Magnaflow designed their hangers to use.

I actually had Midas install my system but now wish I would have done it myself. The Midas guy couldn't figure out how to do the rear hangers, spent too much time on it and I finished the install at home. I paid him too much - $110.

For those that have done it on their own, the tough part is in removing the stock muffler and pipe. You'll need to lube up the hangers real good to get things to slide apart for you. Other than that I think this is an easy self install that most have done in 1 1/2 hr or so.

Do a search and there are some good threads with pics on this topic. Good luck.

 

I did my 16614 myself in the driveway. Remove the spare to give you more room to work. I mounted the rear hangers to the outside of the frame rail at the end of the factory hitch suport bracket by drilling and tapping the frame, then using the supplied bolts from the kit. I don't like the idea of welding them to the frame(I don't own a welder and you can't remove them easily). Other than a lot of fiddling with the adjustments to get the tips the way I wanted them, I didn't have any real trouble. It took me about 4 hours by myself.

 

weld or tack hanger, problem solved

Be sure to remove the NEG (-) batter first

YOMAN!

 

Ok...how many hangers are there for this and is there a way I can install everything myself except for rear hangers and tie them up some how or is there enough hangers to support the two pipes without having the back hangers attached? At least long enough for me to get the a muffler shop and have them put the rear hangers on? Is it only one side or both sides that the hitch interferes with?

Thanks for the replies. I just want to have my game plan in place as soon as I pick my truck up next month. I am in the military so I have access to a hobby shop that has a lift I can use for $2 an hour....If everthing else if pretty easy to do other than the rear hangers maybe I should just do it myself.

 

You can do it all yourself including the rear hangers. If you are willing to mount to hangers inboard to the frame rails there is no drilling or welding required. There is a hole in the frame that is usable. The bracket has to mount so it looks like its backwards but it works. That's why I used some spacers. If you decide you want it outboard to the frame (more as Magnaflow had intended) then you've got some drilling to do as kd4crs suggests (since the hitch bolt occupies the hole you need). Either way, if you have access to a lift you've got it made.

 

hawkeye,

How many spacers and what thickness? Is there anyway you take take a couple pics so I can see...I will print them out use them as a reference. Just want to make sure what size spacers to take with me to auto shop.

Thanks,

Brian

 

Sorry, no chance for good pics tonight and my truck is going in for service tomorrow morning (steering wheel nibble). Just use some flat washers the same or more thickness as the rod on the hanger bracket. About 4 washers on each side is about right. That way the bracket sits away from the frame and allows you to align it vertically with the tailpipe rod (mated together with the rubber piece). Take a look at your hanger/hardware and it will become apparent what size washers are needed.

 

runnerbl,

Don't forget to have your tips welded in place after you get them set the way you want them. Those babies can still come off even with the clamps cranked down hard.

 

Is it possible to have a muffler shop bend the pipes to make them come out behind the rear tires versus coming straight out the back. They didn't have that kit available. All they had was straight out the back so thats what I got. Would like the tips out behind rear tires.

Thanks,

Brian

 

I don't know if they can be bent that way or not. I left mine out the back.