Hey Folks, I just installed the Gibson dual sport Stainless Steel system on my 04 Lariat yesterday and ran into a problem. If you have the 18" full size spare there is not enough clearence between it and the second or rear pipe. The instructions say there needs to be at least 1" between the exaust and the tire and there is only 1/2". I called Gibson before I ordered and they said that clearence would not be a problem. LIES! (Danny DiVito on Direct TV commercial).

Anyway, My fix was to get some Hi Temp headder wrap from Super Shops and two ss hose clamps from Home Depot and wrap the offending pipe to shield the tire from the hot pipe.

Other than that this is an excellent kit with great instructions! The installation was a snap and it only took me about two hours to remove the stock pipe and install the new one. To make it easy on yourself put the rear end on jack stands and remove the right rear tire. Cut the stock pipe behind the muffler for easy removal of the stock system.

If you are looking for the constant rumble of the exhaust a la Flowmaster or Borla system don't get this one. It is very quiet, you only really even notice it is there when you take off from a stop or get on it fairly hard. Steady speed cruising makes a muted purr and not much else even at 75mph.

 

I'm wanting to install the Gibson dual sport on my 04 SCrew but I'm concerned about the clearance issue. Did you address this with Gibson after installation? Is it enough of an issue that you would have done something different if you would have known upfront? Do you have any pics to post of the clearance problem or any of the system in general? I don't think Gibson does a very good job of displaying their products. How do the tips look and what type are they? Where did you get yours and how much did you pay? Sorry about all the questions but I can't seem to get info on this system.

 

I am surprised Gobson didn't learn. Had the same problem with 97-03 models not clearing the 17" spare.

 

Hey L Squared, I just set up a gallery of the pics you wanted. I payed $485 for the Stainless Steel version from Power USA with free shipping. I think that even with the clearence problem with the installation that I would still have bought the system because it was the look that I was looking for. Check out the pics here,
https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=3989

 

Hey, thanks alot for the pics. They answer questions that I've had. Do you think that if a muffler shop had done the install that it would have been possible to relocate the hanger on the pipie to help with the clearance issue or make other mods? I spoke with Gibson this morning and asked about the clearance issue and they told me they are no longer recommending the dual sport for FX4 or Lariat because of the 18" tires. I believe the dual sport will give me the look and sound that I want so I am still considering it and maybe letting the muffler shop deal with the clearance issue. What are your thoughts? You've been there..

 

Keep in mind that sound will not vary much if you use the same muffler design/size and have different tailpipes. SISO, SIDO, DIDO will all sound about the same. Choose the tailpipe configuration based on the look you prefer.