I have noticed that Ford trucks have the exaust either in front of or behind the rear tire. I can't find a pattern that they go by. Which is better?

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1997 4x4 5.4 ORP XLT extended cab Dark Toreador red Westin nerf bars tint HARDER THAN A ROCK AND FASTER THAN A HEART BEAT

 

The 97's had the exhaust in front of the tire. You can buy aftermarket exhaust systems to put it in front of the tire also... Just personal preference.


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keith@myf150.com
http://www.myf150.com
Rocky Mount, NC

1999 F-150 XLT Styleside, Black On Black, SuperCab, Short Bed, 4x4, ORP, 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS

Mods: DrawTite Class III Hitch, Smittybilt Outland Grill Guard/Brush Guards, KC Daylighters, Custom Dual Exhaust w/ Dual Flowmaster 40's-Straight Out The Back, Airaid FIPK, SuperChips Chip, Bug Deflector, Pace-Edwards Roll-Top Bed Cover

 

Do you know why they put it in front of the tire for only one year? Back when the 97 models were coming out I remember someone saying that by putting the exhaust in front of the tire they picked up 10 hp but I don't know about all of that.

[This message has been edited by ford-tough1 (edited 09-20-1999).]

 

I've heard that having it in front of the wheel caused the rim to become discolored. I have no direct experience with that rumor though...


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keith@myf150.com
http://www.myf150.com
Rocky Mount, NC

1999 F-150 XLT Styleside, Black On Black, SuperCab, Short Bed, 4x4, ORP, 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS

Mods: DrawTite Class III Hitch, Smittybilt Outland Grill Guard/Brush Guards, KC Daylighters, Custom Dual Exhaust w/ Dual Flowmaster 40's-Straight Out The Back, Airaid FIPK, SuperChips Chip, Bug Deflector, Pace-Edwards Roll-Top Bed Cover

 

I vaguely remember reading somewhere, probably in the 98 Ford Source book that the reason for relocating the exhaust exit to behind the rear tire was to "improve cold weather drivability" - whatever that means.

 

From what I have read, the exhaust in front of the tire was for show purposes only. It was supposed to be moved behind the tire before production, but was passed over or forgotten. Either way, I don't believe that there was any hp gains or losses. And as for the discoloring of the wheel, it's true, I have seen it.

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stock 98 XL, Reg. cab,4.6, Auto, Tow package, 255/70R16 on styled steel wheels,3.55LS, Black with chrome grille and bumpers! MODS: custom stereo by me, building speaker box was a !@#$%. K&N air filter w/ airbox mod.

 

Let me sum up what I understand happened and why. Put it in front and the air from the tire roatation pushes the exhaust down and away from the underbody of the truck. Put it behind and the air coming from the rear of the tire pushes the exhaust gases up under the bed. Exhaust gas is slightly corrosive. If you idle a lot(such as in city traffic)the front configuration allows the gases to stay in contact with the right rear wheel and can eventually disscolor it. Put it the other way, behind the wheel,(again only if extensive idling) it floats up under the bed and will eventually start rusting it out. It is better to dump out the front of the tire as long as you keep moving most of the time. I have a 97 with the front type and no problems with discoloration. Also recently went to a Gibson Super Truck with the same configuration. I live in the country. No up side on this one so just move to the country or plow ahead in traffic and keep those gases dissapating!

 

Mine go straight out the back, so I only have to worry about my bumper, if that.

I have felt the exhaust while idling, and it seems to go down and back from my pipes, missing my truck completely....


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keith@myf150.com
http://www.myf150.com
Rocky Mount, NC

1999 F-150 XLT Styleside, Black On Black, SuperCab, Short Bed, 4x4, ORP, 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS

Mods: DrawTite Class III Hitch, Smittybilt Outland Grill Guard/Brush Guards, KC Daylighters, Custom Dual Exhaust w/ Dual Flowmaster 40's-Straight Out The Back, Airaid FIPK, SuperChips Chip, Bug Deflector, Pace-Edwards Roll-Top Bed Cover

 

My '97 Lariat had the exhaust in front of the right wheel and it made a mess! I had to use Soft Scrub, especially on the hub cover, to clean the wheel every couple of months. I understand Ford may have issued a TSB on it. In any case, they would replace it with one that when behind the wheel if you complained.

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'99 Black Lightning

 

I am here to testify that it does not allways discolor the wheel and under "normal" curcumstances it does not. My 97 now over 3 years old. no problem with it.

 

thinking back to the old hot rod days the fewer turns in an exhaust system the better. more turns creates more backpressure and thus lowers the hp. probably not a great deal but some.
as far as the tsb. it was issued by ford because the exhaust system was hitting the springs in the rear.( i believe) as for mine i like the exhaust where it is. i have heard about the discoloration of the rims but mine is fine.

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'97 f150 rc, flair side,4x4,v6,5 spd stock for now...

 

ford-tough1
For the last 30,000 miles, my exhaust tips were in the stock location in front of the rear wheel. I had a flowmaster installed about two weeks after getting the new truck. The Ford brochure for the '97 actually says they put the exhaust exit in front of the tire for more power. The exact words are: "Even the forward location of the tailpipe which has a shorter length and wider diameter for less retriction contributes to increased horsepower. This design also helps reduce the risk of tailpipe damage when backing up".

I've read plenty of comments from folks who say they are getting discoloration on the right rear wheel. I never saw any problem on my wheel - that is until I purchase new polished aluminum wheels about 4 month ago. I'd been watching the right rear wheel closely and last week, I thought I could see a very slight blemishing on that wheel. I attempted to polish the wheel but it didn't seem to want to come off - at least not easily. I didn't want to take a chance on hurting my wheel so I had the tips moved behind the wheel just a couple weeks ago. I understand that Ford has been moving the exhaust location if the owner complains about the discoloration. My guess is that Ford moved the location in '98 just to eliminate the issue.

I can't feel any difference in the power but the mellow tone from the flowmaster is a little quieter from inside the truck. On the outside, the exhaust note is a little deeper in tone. This has been a long post but hopefully the information is helpful.

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Black '97, SC with 4.6, 3.55 gears, automatic, 2-4 Belltech drop kit, SnugTop fiberglass lid, 3 chamber Flowmaster muffler, billet bumper grill, fog lights, American Racing 17x8 wheels with 275-60 Goodyear Eagle GT II tires.

 

Speaking of discoloration with the exhaust in front of the wheel.... any Lightning owners that do some city driving notice any discoloration yet?

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99 F150 XLT Silver 2WD S/C 4.2 5-speed, Superchip, Flowmaster muffler // Rear door switch guards - check them out at http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/show/5031

 

Mr. Wizard, do you know which series muffler you had installed on your truck?

BTW I have never noticed any discoloration on my wheels

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1997 4x4 5.4 ORP XLT extended cab Dark Toreador red Westin nerf bars tint HARDER THAN A ROCK AND FASTER THAN A HEART BEAT

 

The 97's had the exhaust come out in front of the rear passenger tire. For the 98's they put it behind the tire. I have heard no reason why, but personally, I had the rear passenger hub cover and nut cover discoloration/corrosion from the heat of the exhaust. When putting nerf bars on my truck, the installer(not Ford) told me there was a "silent" recall on the 97 exhaust system. I confronted the dealer with this info and showed them the discoloration and corrosion on my hub...they called Dearborn MI and YES, finally they installed a 98 exhaust system on my 97. Had to fight for it though, as with most warranty problems. No problems with this since. All covered while under warranty though. The 98 exhaust is a bit louder than the original though...