I have just finished installing a Gibson swept side (3" stainless) and I'm VERY impressed with the overall quality. The sound is just what I was looking for and there's a definite improvement in performance. However, the spare tire doesn't seem to fit back under the truck. Has anyone else experienced this with a Gibson system? The exhaust sits really well where it is with all the hangers lining up but my spare tire is in the bed.

Thanks for any help.


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'00 5.4L AUTO 4X4 F-150 Lariat
'98 4.0L 5spd Jeep Wrangler Sport
'95 3.8L SC Thunderbird
'02 F-350 PSD CC DRW 6SPD 4X4 Lariat (order this year)
www.hawthorn-engineering.com

 

I put the dual sport on, while installing I left the spare tire in place, maybe if you put the tire in place and tweek the pipes (the are movable) it will work. Also in the instructions it also stated that you could move the spare tire while bringing it up..Just a thought!

 

clee,
thanks for the suggestion. It looks to me as though even with "wiggling" the spare tire as it goes up, there won't be enough room for it to seat properly. I'll check tomorrow and take some measurements while I'm at it. Gibson's customer support won't be open until Tuesday so I'm kind of on my own. The reason for all this is that the Gibson exhaust pipe makes a different arc over the rear axle compared to the factory unit. I'm probably at fault rather than the exhaust. It's an excellent kit and I'm very impressed.

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'00 5.4L AUTO 4X4 F-150 Lariat
'98 4.0L 5spd Jeep Wrangler Sport
'95 3.8L SC Thunderbird
'02 F-350 PSD CC DRW 6SPD 4X4 Lariat (order this year)
www.hawthorn-engineering.com

 

gah,

The only problem I had was with the turnout pipe coming to close to the hitch bracket.

I went back and re-adjusted everything to move where it exits about 2"-3" ahead and it's fine.

I called Gibson and they were a lot of help. He told me that each pipe is made a little long to gove the flexibility to shorten them up for fit. Had I known that, I might have pulled everything up a tad bit more. Once you clamp it down, it's tough getting it to move. Although the over the axle pipe is right about where it should be. I'm sure they'll be able to help you tweak it out some.

By the way, I think mine got a little loudr with time. Not much but just enough. Sounds great!

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2000 EDDIE BAUER EXPEDITION 4x2

• Estate Green
• 5.4 ltr
• 3:55 LS rear
• Superchip!
• Airaid FIPK
• Gibson S/S Swept Side Cat Back Exhaust
• Hellwig Rear Anti-Sway Bar
• Energy Suspension Polyurethane Front Anti-Sway Bar Bushings
• Edelbrock Performer IAS Shocks
• Mobil 1
• Xenon Super White Head and Driving Lights
• Tow Package
• Rear Load Leveling
• Moonroof
• Century Child Seat!

-->Follow Me...<--

 

FamilyRide,
you're partly responsible for my getting the Gibson swept side and I'd like to thank you for that. I listened to your wav files and was pleased with the sound. I am VERY, VERY impressed with this product. Everything including fit and finish, material quality, hangers, clamps and the additional pipe for a SCrew install are outstanding. The chrome plated stainless tip is gorgeous. I have a K&N air filter and I have to say that my truck drives WAY better now with the Gibson - feels like I've removed 500lbs from the bed. The sound is deep and subtle with no interior resonance.
I got the stainless system from 4Wheel parts for $389.00 and all I can say is OUTSTANDING. I'm going to "massage" the exhaust today so that I can get my spare back on. Did I mention that I think this system is amazing?

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'00 5.4L AUTO 4X4 F-150 Lariat
'98 4.0L 5spd Jeep Wrangler Sport
'95 3.8L SC Thunderbird
'02 F-350 PSD CC DRW 6SPD 4X4 Lariat (order this year)
www.hawthorn-engineering.com

 

I figured out the problem. I had to move the whole system 6-1/2" forward and now it fits perfectly. The spare tire fits fine. Gibson supplies two pipes that connect the factory 20" section to the new muffler. I had to reduce the 9" pipe down to 5", and remove 2-1/2" from the tail pipe piece. It was a PITA because I'd tightened all of the clamps and separating the pieces was VERY difficult. Anyway, now I'm really pleased with the finished product. I still can't believe the difference this system makes.

Thanks to all for the suggestions though ...

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'00 5.4L AUTO 4X4 F-150 Lariat
'98 4.0L 5spd Jeep Wrangler Sport
'95 3.8L SC Thunderbird
'02 F-350 PSD CC DRW 6SPD 4X4 Lariat (order this year)
www.hawthorn-engineering.com