Finally got the Swept Side installed
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,444
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From: DFW, Texas
Finally got the Swept Side installed
Thanks to X_PLOSIVE98 posting pictures of his Aluminized Dual Sport I determined that I was wrong and mine wasn't packaged wrong. It is S/S not aluminized. Live and learn.
So live and learn I did today. I should have spent the $75 to have someone install it for me. I'm just not in shape anymore to go climbing around under a truck doing something like this, especaily when I did it the hard way.
Yep, it took me almost 4 hours. One trick that did work was that I removed the clamp from the stock head pipe last night and sprayed a little WD-40 on the joint. This morning, it was loose. The problem is that the OEM clamp was so tight that it squeezed about a 1/4" into the pipe. So I tried to remove it without cutting anything; there's how to spend almost 4 hours. It was very loose but now way was it sliding off with a 1/4" ridge in it like that. On the Expy, the Swept Side is truely designed to be bolt on. No cutting like with some of the F150's. However, Boss96Hog warned me about the clamp but I tried anyway. So I resorted to cutting just enough to get it loose enough to slide off, ok fall off on my leg. At least I did get it off in one peice but it has a cut up head pipe.
So, the next 10 minutes was bolting eveything on. Ok, longer that 10 minutes but it wasn't long. By the way, that squeezed pipe comes back to haunt you when you go to tighten up the new head pipe on it. Take your time with it as it takes a little squeezing to get it tight enough. I thought at one point the u-bolt wasn't going to be able to take it, but the pipe did give and tightened up nicely.
My Expy has the tow package and it didn't fit exactly like I would have liked but after a little adjusting, it's about as close as it will get and it looks and fits good. The turn out pipe came out right by the hitch bracket. I would have liked it to have come out about 3" further up more like stock but once I tweaked it a little, it came out fine. I also had to bend the hanger on the over axle pipe about 1"-2" up to fit in the hanger again, if it was 1" to 2" further up it would have fit perfectly and the turnout would have been perfectly placed. Bending the hanger was a breeze , but again, they could probably shorting it up somewhere and make it fit perfectly.
When I cranked it up, I was almost dissappointed. I couldn't tell a difference. Once I pulled out of the garage and got out to listen, I could tell. Once I took a drive I could definetly tell, and it really does sound great. I guess I thought it would be louder but louder isn't what I wanted. It sounds nice and throaty and just like they say, "a nice big block rumble".
I'm surprised that it sounds as quiet as it does, but it makes you turn your head wonder if that sound is really coming from that Expy. It has a great sound. If you want loud and aggresive, this ain't it. If you drive a family cruiser like I do or just want a nice throaty rumble, it's perfect.
I haven't driven it much since this afternoon just out to dinner and a couple of erronds with the family so I can't say so far I notice much more than an even more responsive throttle. Power? Torque? WHo knows yet. I've heard the Expy doesn't get as much performance increase as some F150's but we'll see. I mean with 350 lbs of torque bone stock, then throw in the chip and FIPK, how much torque will it take to be really noticable now? A lot. If it were stock and I added the exhaust I'm sure I would have easily been able to detect the difference immediately.
The tips I would add are to use WD-40 ahead of time on any joint that you'll be removing. Most people cut the pipes anyway but it helps to have it loose. Also use it on the hangers to make it easier to pull them out of the rubber. And last but not least, a hack saw isn't real easy to use under there so make sure you have a hand held blade holder and some good hacksaw blades. It works great as it's a lot smaller and you can cut easier under there. I had only one blade when I started and it's gone now. It was fairly old but I killed it today.
Well I'm going to fix a Vodka to try to kill the pain and go to bed. I'm not used to doing this so I'm bruised, stiff and soar, but my Expy sounds great!!
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
So live and learn I did today. I should have spent the $75 to have someone install it for me. I'm just not in shape anymore to go climbing around under a truck doing something like this, especaily when I did it the hard way.
Yep, it took me almost 4 hours. One trick that did work was that I removed the clamp from the stock head pipe last night and sprayed a little WD-40 on the joint. This morning, it was loose. The problem is that the OEM clamp was so tight that it squeezed about a 1/4" into the pipe. So I tried to remove it without cutting anything; there's how to spend almost 4 hours. It was very loose but now way was it sliding off with a 1/4" ridge in it like that. On the Expy, the Swept Side is truely designed to be bolt on. No cutting like with some of the F150's. However, Boss96Hog warned me about the clamp but I tried anyway. So I resorted to cutting just enough to get it loose enough to slide off, ok fall off on my leg. At least I did get it off in one peice but it has a cut up head pipe.
So, the next 10 minutes was bolting eveything on. Ok, longer that 10 minutes but it wasn't long. By the way, that squeezed pipe comes back to haunt you when you go to tighten up the new head pipe on it. Take your time with it as it takes a little squeezing to get it tight enough. I thought at one point the u-bolt wasn't going to be able to take it, but the pipe did give and tightened up nicely.
My Expy has the tow package and it didn't fit exactly like I would have liked but after a little adjusting, it's about as close as it will get and it looks and fits good. The turn out pipe came out right by the hitch bracket. I would have liked it to have come out about 3" further up more like stock but once I tweaked it a little, it came out fine. I also had to bend the hanger on the over axle pipe about 1"-2" up to fit in the hanger again, if it was 1" to 2" further up it would have fit perfectly and the turnout would have been perfectly placed. Bending the hanger was a breeze , but again, they could probably shorting it up somewhere and make it fit perfectly.
When I cranked it up, I was almost dissappointed. I couldn't tell a difference. Once I pulled out of the garage and got out to listen, I could tell. Once I took a drive I could definetly tell, and it really does sound great. I guess I thought it would be louder but louder isn't what I wanted. It sounds nice and throaty and just like they say, "a nice big block rumble".
I'm surprised that it sounds as quiet as it does, but it makes you turn your head wonder if that sound is really coming from that Expy. It has a great sound. If you want loud and aggresive, this ain't it. If you drive a family cruiser like I do or just want a nice throaty rumble, it's perfect.
I haven't driven it much since this afternoon just out to dinner and a couple of erronds with the family so I can't say so far I notice much more than an even more responsive throttle. Power? Torque? WHo knows yet. I've heard the Expy doesn't get as much performance increase as some F150's but we'll see. I mean with 350 lbs of torque bone stock, then throw in the chip and FIPK, how much torque will it take to be really noticable now? A lot. If it were stock and I added the exhaust I'm sure I would have easily been able to detect the difference immediately.
The tips I would add are to use WD-40 ahead of time on any joint that you'll be removing. Most people cut the pipes anyway but it helps to have it loose. Also use it on the hangers to make it easier to pull them out of the rubber. And last but not least, a hack saw isn't real easy to use under there so make sure you have a hand held blade holder and some good hacksaw blades. It works great as it's a lot smaller and you can cut easier under there. I had only one blade when I started and it's gone now. It was fairly old but I killed it today.
Well I'm going to fix a Vodka to try to kill the pain and go to bed. I'm not used to doing this so I'm bruised, stiff and soar, but my Expy sounds great!!
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,444
Likes: 0
From: DFW, Texas
2001supercrew-new,
No, the Swept Side is the quietest. According to Gibson it's about 2-3 decibals above stock and that sounds about right. I haven't had it cruising at hwy speeds for any distance yet but what I've seen at 60-70 is that you can hear it's not stock a little bit but not much. Most of the time you can't really hear it. When you can hear it is usually when it's under a load in the 1500-2000 rpm range and then it's not bad at all. So far, no drone.
Gibson says the Dual Sport is the next loudest at about 4-5 decibals louder that stock. It's the one that is a single in dual out side exit and I believe the same SuperFlow series muffler. From there you go to the much louder Split Rear and beyond. The Swept Side is supposed to be the one that produces the most torque and HP gains. I think the Dual Sport may reduce torque a little down low but is a good alternative if you want a deeper more aggresive sound without tossing all of your low end out. Being in a 5200 lb SUV I didn't want to loose any torque. The 5.4 in the Expy is 350 lbs of torque stock. Mine should be in the 420-430 range now.
If you're primary reason for new exhaust is not louder, or something sporty like dual tips, the Swept Side it the way to go. If you want more sound without being annoying, probably the Dual Sport.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
No, the Swept Side is the quietest. According to Gibson it's about 2-3 decibals above stock and that sounds about right. I haven't had it cruising at hwy speeds for any distance yet but what I've seen at 60-70 is that you can hear it's not stock a little bit but not much. Most of the time you can't really hear it. When you can hear it is usually when it's under a load in the 1500-2000 rpm range and then it's not bad at all. So far, no drone.
Gibson says the Dual Sport is the next loudest at about 4-5 decibals louder that stock. It's the one that is a single in dual out side exit and I believe the same SuperFlow series muffler. From there you go to the much louder Split Rear and beyond. The Swept Side is supposed to be the one that produces the most torque and HP gains. I think the Dual Sport may reduce torque a little down low but is a good alternative if you want a deeper more aggresive sound without tossing all of your low end out. Being in a 5200 lb SUV I didn't want to loose any torque. The 5.4 in the Expy is 350 lbs of torque stock. Mine should be in the 420-430 range now.
If you're primary reason for new exhaust is not louder, or something sporty like dual tips, the Swept Side it the way to go. If you want more sound without being annoying, probably the Dual Sport.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX, USA
FamilyRide
Thanks for your feedback.
Will have to stay with the Swept Side, I want to increase my low end torque, nicer sound, but without too much noise in the cab.
Are you running premium gas with the chip ?
Later.
Thanks for your feedback.
Will have to stay with the Swept Side, I want to increase my low end torque, nicer sound, but without too much noise in the cab.
Are you running premium gas with the chip ?
Later.
Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX, USA
FamilyRide
How is the inside cab noise on your Gibson SS at cruise speeds 60-85 MPH ?, can you still talk without shouting?.
Do you get any resonance (drone) at cruise speeds ?
I still want the the Gibson dual sport (side-swept exit), but I do not want any inside resonance noise, the other (safe) choise is the Gibson Single Side Swept system.
------------------
2001, F150 SuperCrew, 5.4, Limited 3.55, Trailer Tow, 255-70-16, Captain Chairs.
Assembly Date 10/4/2000.
*************** AUSTIN, TEXAS ***************
[This message has been edited by 2001supercrew-new (edited 01-14-2001).]
How is the inside cab noise on your Gibson SS at cruise speeds 60-85 MPH ?, can you still talk without shouting?.
Do you get any resonance (drone) at cruise speeds ?
I still want the the Gibson dual sport (side-swept exit), but I do not want any inside resonance noise, the other (safe) choise is the Gibson Single Side Swept system.
------------------
2001, F150 SuperCrew, 5.4, Limited 3.55, Trailer Tow, 255-70-16, Captain Chairs.
Assembly Date 10/4/2000.
*************** AUSTIN, TEXAS ***************
[This message has been edited by 2001supercrew-new (edited 01-14-2001).]
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,444
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From: DFW, Texas
Yep. I just got dup'd by the Texaco station I use. They bumped they're Premium up by .10 cents and switched the sign out on the street replacing the premium sign with Diesel. So now, when we're used to seeing the 3 grades of gasoline prices, they make it look like the meduim and premium are the same price. Not a bad deal until you start to pump and see they just reached in your pocket for another dime a gallon. Everyone else around was already cheaper on Premium and are now about 20 cents cheaper in some cases like Exxon. At least I'm still sitting right around 16 MPG!!!
Ok, I vented but I still filled up with about 28 gallons!!
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
Ok, I vented but I still filled up with about 28 gallons!!
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,444
Likes: 0
From: DFW, Texas
2001supercrew-new,
By the way, I've had a chance to run on the highway a little. From 50-65 accelerating or under a little load, I can hear it a little. Once you get to about 65 and beyond I really can't even hear it. By hear it, I wouldn't call it drone, just that I can tell it isn't stock but it sounds good. It's pretty consistant that the loudest it gets it in the 1500-1800 RPM range.
If you're not primarily looking for loud, you'll love the Swept Side.
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
[This message has been edited by FamilyRide (edited 01-15-2001).]
By the way, I've had a chance to run on the highway a little. From 50-65 accelerating or under a little load, I can hear it a little. Once you get to about 65 and beyond I really can't even hear it. By hear it, I wouldn't call it drone, just that I can tell it isn't stock but it sounds good. It's pretty consistant that the loudest it gets it in the 1500-1800 RPM range.
If you're not primarily looking for loud, you'll love the Swept Side.
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
[This message has been edited by FamilyRide (edited 01-15-2001).]
Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX, USA
FamilyRide
Thanks for the info.
Keep us posted if your gas milage improves.
I am pricing a Gibson Swept Side:
Carparts wants $320 for the aluminized and $471 for the Stainless Steel.
4-Wheel Truck Parts wants $301 for the Aluminized and $438 for the Stainless Steel.
Will check others.
------------------
2001, F150 SuperCrew, 5.4, Limited 3.55, Trailer Tow, 255-70-16, Captain Chairs.
Assembly Date 10/4/2000.
*************** AUSTIN, TEXAS ***************
Thanks for the info.
Keep us posted if your gas milage improves.
I am pricing a Gibson Swept Side:
Carparts wants $320 for the aluminized and $471 for the Stainless Steel.
4-Wheel Truck Parts wants $301 for the Aluminized and $438 for the Stainless Steel.
Will check others.
------------------
2001, F150 SuperCrew, 5.4, Limited 3.55, Trailer Tow, 255-70-16, Captain Chairs.
Assembly Date 10/4/2000.
*************** AUSTIN, TEXAS ***************
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Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,444
Likes: 0
From: DFW, Texas
2001supercrew-new,
Try Truckperformance.com. I think they have the S/S for $410 + shipping. But also try Roger at the online store. He's not direct with Gibson but if he can get competitive he will. He can get almost anything just ask him. I think his email is rlem@aol.com. I bought my Airaid from him.
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
Try Truckperformance.com. I think they have the S/S for $410 + shipping. But also try Roger at the online store. He's not direct with Gibson but if he can get competitive he will. He can get almost anything just ask him. I think his email is rlem@aol.com. I bought my Airaid from him.
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,444
Likes: 0
From: DFW, Texas
doorslammer69,
Athough I wouldn't rate their customer service real high simply based on their lack of proactive (and accurate) communication (well they did email to make sure I recieved it on time but it hadn't shipped yet), what they delivered was a product that they didn't have in stock and although the ship date slipped out total about a week, once I was able to get them to tell me the status it was accurate and it did ship and get here 1 day quicker than scheduled. Of course UPS had something to do with that.
I also had a problem that wasn't theirs and they did respond quickly. I would have no problem ordering from them again.
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
Athough I wouldn't rate their customer service real high simply based on their lack of proactive (and accurate) communication (well they did email to make sure I recieved it on time but it hadn't shipped yet), what they delivered was a product that they didn't have in stock and although the ship date slipped out total about a week, once I was able to get them to tell me the status it was accurate and it did ship and get here 1 day quicker than scheduled. Of course UPS had something to do with that.
I also had a problem that wasn't theirs and they did respond quickly. I would have no problem ordering from them again.
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,444
Likes: 0
From: DFW, Texas
Something more to add. I mentioned that I wasn't 100% happy that the turnout pipe exits back about 5 inches past where it did stock. A Gibson "tech" told me that I could exceed the 2" limit on how far to slide the pipes into the muffler. As much as about 3.5" despite the instruction to not exceed 2". He also mentioned that the pipes are about 1/2" longer than they need to be so there is room for cutting if need be. I guess they try to leave enough flexibilty as possible.
Mine's not bad at all, but I am going to see about sliding everything up a little, or next, maybe cut a littel from one of the pipes to bring the exit location back closer to stock if I need to.
Did I mention I love it still??
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
Mine's not bad at all, but I am going to see about sliding everything up a little, or next, maybe cut a littel from one of the pipes to bring the exit location back closer to stock if I need to.
Did I mention I love it still??
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: northeast usa
i just purchased the swept back as well. i bought it from carparts.com. i would have bought it from roger though if timing had'nt been a factor. rogers price i think was almost identical to what carparts.com gave it to me for. roger gave me this price via email which i saw on my return home.
i wanted this ordered and squared away before i traveled this past week and i could not get in touch with roger before i left (i was able to with carparts).
just checked the email. carparts, stainless 417 to my door, roger would have been 419.
would have been nice to support the page, my next purchase will.
------------------
mr k
i wanted this ordered and squared away before i traveled this past week and i could not get in touch with roger before i left (i was able to with carparts).
just checked the email. carparts, stainless 417 to my door, roger would have been 419.
would have been nice to support the page, my next purchase will.
------------------
mr k
Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX, USA
Just ordered the Gibson # 619608 Stailess Steel Swept Side Exhaust from CarParts, $398 delivered (after $100 discount, 1st buyers).
I hope it does not take too long to get here, will have a shop do the installation.
Here is the 1st buyers coupon, it is "click through" coupon for 33%, maxes at $100:
www.importhookup.com
Coupon is good only Jan. 19 - Jan. 21
------------------
2001, F150 SuperCrew, 5.4, Limited 3.55, Trailer Tow, 255-70-16, Captain Chairs.
Assembly Date 10/4/2000.
*************** AUSTIN, TEXAS ***************
[This message has been edited by 2001supercrew-new (edited 01-20-2001).]
I hope it does not take too long to get here, will have a shop do the installation.
Here is the 1st buyers coupon, it is "click through" coupon for 33%, maxes at $100:
www.importhookup.com
Coupon is good only Jan. 19 - Jan. 21
------------------
2001, F150 SuperCrew, 5.4, Limited 3.55, Trailer Tow, 255-70-16, Captain Chairs.
Assembly Date 10/4/2000.
*************** AUSTIN, TEXAS ***************
[This message has been edited by 2001supercrew-new (edited 01-20-2001).]
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,444
Likes: 0
From: DFW, Texas
I wanted to post the end result and sum up my tips and advice.
After getting everything installed and now re-tweaked to fit great, hopefully someone else can benefit from what I learned.
Tips:
1. From above, if possible, remove the clamps ahead of time and give the joint a shot or 2 of WD-40. You may not be able to just pull it off because of the OEM clamp squeezing it together, but having it loose helps a lot.
2. WD-40 on the hangers too. It makes it easier to pull them loose.
3. Since you're probably going to have to cut something due to the OEM clamp, have good hacksaw blades and a hand-held "blade holder". You an pick them up for $3-$4 at any hardware store. It's not ideal for heavy cutting but you can't really cut with a hacksaw under there so it works great.
4. Last but not least, don't tighten anything except the headpipe until you have it mounted and hanging perfectly. Gibson told me they ship the pipes about 1/2" long so there's room to cut if you need to. They also said you can go up to about 3 1/2" into the muffler, contrary to the instructions that say no more than 2". They do a good job of giving you plenty of flexibility for a self install.
I went back after a week and removed the over axle pipe (pain in the a$$ since I had it tightened) but I managed to get it off and cut 2" off the front of it so the turn out pipe now exits plenty distance from the trailer hitch bracket and it looks much better. The rear hanger is right were it should be now too. I cleaned the cut up so I could get it back into the muffler; the joints are snug! I retightened everything and it's done!
I'm happy. Starting a couple months ago thinking I might want to install a Superchip, and now I'm done with FIPK, Superchip and Gibson cat-back, I find myself thinking about what's next. Hmm, maybe headers. I love the MPG I'm getting now in addition to the fun it is to drive.
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
After getting everything installed and now re-tweaked to fit great, hopefully someone else can benefit from what I learned.
Tips:
1. From above, if possible, remove the clamps ahead of time and give the joint a shot or 2 of WD-40. You may not be able to just pull it off because of the OEM clamp squeezing it together, but having it loose helps a lot.
2. WD-40 on the hangers too. It makes it easier to pull them loose.
3. Since you're probably going to have to cut something due to the OEM clamp, have good hacksaw blades and a hand-held "blade holder". You an pick them up for $3-$4 at any hardware store. It's not ideal for heavy cutting but you can't really cut with a hacksaw under there so it works great.
4. Last but not least, don't tighten anything except the headpipe until you have it mounted and hanging perfectly. Gibson told me they ship the pipes about 1/2" long so there's room to cut if you need to. They also said you can go up to about 3 1/2" into the muffler, contrary to the instructions that say no more than 2". They do a good job of giving you plenty of flexibility for a self install.
I went back after a week and removed the over axle pipe (pain in the a$$ since I had it tightened) but I managed to get it off and cut 2" off the front of it so the turn out pipe now exits plenty distance from the trailer hitch bracket and it looks much better. The rear hanger is right were it should be now too. I cleaned the cut up so I could get it back into the muffler; the joints are snug! I retightened everything and it's done!
I'm happy. Starting a couple months ago thinking I might want to install a Superchip, and now I'm done with FIPK, Superchip and Gibson cat-back, I find myself thinking about what's next. Hmm, maybe headers. I love the MPG I'm getting now in addition to the fun it is to drive.
------------------
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2
Estate Green
5.4 ltr
3:55 LS rear
Superchip!
Airaid FIPK
Gibson S/S Swept Side
Tow Package
Rear Load Leveling
Moonroof
Century Child Seat!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Boulder/Durango CO
FamilyRide,
Thanks for your great posts on this topic. I still have 3 weeks till I get my truck, but have always planned on an exhaust upgrade, you have convinced me to get the Gibson SS.
If I can find a garage and a little warmer weather, perhaps you will convince me to install it myself
.
------------------
Craig Brossman
Ordered 2001 SCrew 4WD Lariat (12/05/00)
Az Beige/Wedgewood Blue
Cpts. chairs, Moon roof, Tow package, CD changer
3.55 lim. slip, Rear slider, Skid plates
Status: Build Date - 1/29/01 (as of 1/8/01)
ETA - 2/12/01
Thanks for your great posts on this topic. I still have 3 weeks till I get my truck, but have always planned on an exhaust upgrade, you have convinced me to get the Gibson SS.
If I can find a garage and a little warmer weather, perhaps you will convince me to install it myself
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Craig Brossman
Ordered 2001 SCrew 4WD Lariat (12/05/00)
Az Beige/Wedgewood Blue
Cpts. chairs, Moon roof, Tow package, CD changer
3.55 lim. slip, Rear slider, Skid plates
Status: Build Date - 1/29/01 (as of 1/8/01)
ETA - 2/12/01