I was wondering if the exterior appearance of the new unit was exactly the same as OEM, or if there were subtle differences in the castings. Since you were not replacing the actual factory unit, I guess you wouldn't know.....???

 

Upgraded my exhaust recently. Originally had a SI/SO Super 40 muffer. I loved the Super 40 but wished it was just a little louder and more pronounced so I got the Flowmaster American Thunder system.

The new system sounds way better and I'm really glad I made the change. It was definitely worth it considering I got it on sale for only $500.

No sound clips unfortunately because I don't have any decent cameras to record with anymore. Here's a couple pics though...tips are 4x18

 

The reman one I just had looked identical to the oe one that was pulled out. This brand new unit looks identical to the reman, so I'd say they all look pretty identical shape wise, plug wise and how they bolt up.

 

New ball joints, tie rods and coil overs done. The truck now sits one inch lower in the front (still one inch higher than a stock 2wd). Suspension angles look much better. However, I now have 3.5" of rake instead of 2.5"

I don't know if I hate the rake or not. I have spare 2.5" and 2" rear blocks and u bolts laying around so I may swap out the rear if I feel it has too much rake.

I like the look of less wheel well room in the front. I didn't like how raised up it seemed before.

My measurements from center of center cap before: 23.5" front, 26" rear. Now it's 22.5" front, 26" rear.

 

I did a 2" shackle drop to get rid of the factory rake on my truck, which goes along well with the "street truck" look I want for my particular truck.

That being said, if I had an XL work truck like yours, I would probably leave the truck the way it sits right now with a "factory-like" rake. I think a little rake actually looks good on the XL trucks.....

 

I agree, unless it's lifted or lowered, I think the factory rake looks good. The factory rake for mine was only 2". That said, I'm at 3.5" haha. It doesn't look bad in my opinion. But I'll lower the rear a little if it looks stupid. I need to see it at different angles and parked in different areas to get a feeling for it.

 

Looks really good with the black tips. Where did you get the setup for $500?

 

In the photo you posted, the truck looks fine. If it looks more exaggerated from a different angle I might drop it just a bit if the rake is getting comical.

 

Here's another view. Sorry there was a smudge on my lense and the pic isn't the best.

 

I think that looks fine -- probably a tad more than factory, but not enough that I would do anything about it as long as the ride and handling seem decent.

 

Thanks, I appreciate the input. I have 3.5" inches of rake right now. I may drop the rear 1/2" to get it at 3" even. It has 3" blocks now and I have a set of 2.5" blocks laying around.

I will say the front end feels way better dropping it an inch. Prior, it would take bumps pretty hard. My upper control arms never contacted the coils, but still, the suspension angles look and feel better now. Here are a couple better shots.

 

Thanks man. AutoAnything.com had a 20% off sale for any order over a hundred bucks. That brought it from $630 to just over $500. Flowmaster also has rebates right now so it's a good time to buy.

Also I got the stainless Flo Pro tips for just $20 a piece from a kinda sketchy website but it worked out good.

 

Finished the front today! It's 5inches lower in the front and the rear is 7inches lower! No more cali lean!

 

General Grabber AT2 rubber @ 275/70R18
American Racing AR893 Mainline wheels

 

Dang, that's the first one with the 8' bed I've seen that low. Any more pics?