So I got the 15821 from HottExhaust.com. I got a great deal, no tax, and free shipping. It came in today and all the pieces seemed to be there.
That's where the good times end.
The factory exhaust was pretty easy to remove. But the intermediate pipe from the cat to the muffler doesnt line up with the hanger, no matter what pipe I use (it came with an 18 inch and a 24 inch pipe) and no matter which way I turn, wiggle, or curse it.
Then, one of the 3 inch clamps will not tighten aroung the tailpipe, even though it is bottoming out. Im kind of embarassed that I let a little clamp lick me. Im not completely ignorant but I need help!
Hott Exhaust will here from me in the morning. After 2 1/2 hours at it, Im going to bed.

 

When was your truck manufactured? Mine was made in 7/04, and mine had the '05 exhaust on it. I bet you got the exhaust for the '04, and you truck has the '05 exhaust on it. The difference is the intermediate pipe length. Basically, all trucks build after June 1, 2004, have the new '05 exhaust on them and require you order a different exhaust (part #16XXX) instead of the one you have (part # 15XXX). That may be your problem. There are one of two things to do: 1) cut the intermediate pipe you have now to make it fit (thats what I did, cause when I got mine the newer exhausts werent out yet) or 2) send the exhaust back and get the newer style. Hope I could help!

 

Im just mad as all get out now! I have a 11/03 build date. I told them this when I tried to order and Hott sent me the 15821. It came with two intermediate pipes and neither work. So I called them this morning and they told me to call magnaflow. I told them bout the problem with the mount so they sent me a diagram about how the mount should be. I sent them a pic,(i cant make it post) and they say..."thats odd." Turns out, they dont make a kit for 04 with a shortbed, regular cab. They do in 05 but the intermediate pipe is different and wont work. They told me I could send it back or modify it. I could do that but that aint the point. It should have been right the first time! Plus, one of the clamps, doesnt. When it is tightened all the way, the tailpipe wiggles out.
SO... im expecting a call from Hott to see how they can satisfy me.
I hope nonone else has this kind of trouble.

 

I talked with someone at Hott. They asked how they could direct my call and i tild them someone messed up and that it sure wasnt me. Talked with a guy named John. I told him what happened and he said they would pay for a mufflr shop to relocated the hanger. So I think Ill go that route.

There might be a light at the end after all.

Pics when its fixed.

 

My Magnaflow was a b*tch of an install as well -- but the end result is worth it! Pretty soon you'll get to hear the sweetest sound in the world everytime you fire up your rig!

By the way, the band clamps that Magnaflow includes with their systems are marginal at best. I'd spring for some replacement band clamps from NAPA that are much better. I replaced all of the clamps in my system with them -- here's a photograph of one:

 

I may have to look into those clamps. I'm pretty sure I stripped the bolts out on my clamps.

 

I twisted the bolt heads off mine -- that's why I got the NAPA clamps in the first place. I started with just a couple, and then realized how much better they were built and decided to get them for the whole system. The difference in quality between them and the Magnaflow clamps is night and day -- highly recommended!

 

ddellwo,

How did you put the hanger for the sido pipe since i'm assuming you have the tow package and had the troubles i've read so much about.

really want to do this myself, but wondering how much an exhaust shop would charge or how you did it yourself.

Thanks,

Duke

 

I was wondering how they were so shiney. I like that. My friend's Dad is a welder and Im gonna just get of the clamps all together. Ill be glad when I get that done,im still driving around without a tailpipe. :o

 

My Magnaflow didn't fit properly either - the darn intermediate clamp was the wrong one (I tightened it all the way until the bolt bottomed out) and there was still a 1/8" gap between the clamp and the pipe....I had it welded and then called Magnaflow the next day.....their response was "Oh well" and they didn't even apologize for the trouble I had to go to weld a 100% "bolt on" system - sheesh - that organization could learn a lot about customer service.....they should also advise you that if you have the factory towing package - you WILL be having to weld the rear hangers on....I'm doing away with the clamps altogether and having everything welded....hate looking at the tailpipe clamps sticking out under the truck.