I was able to remove the three rubber hangers and the two bolts that old on the U-Bolt with that weird harmonic balancer thing but I can't get that joint to come apart. I can get it to twist back and forth a tiny bit, so I know that its not rusted together, but I can't get the joint apart. I see another joint about 18" further forward that looks like the connection isn't as crimped together. The only thing is that those bolts are definitely rusted! Has anyone had good luck getting either of these joints apart? I want to see what my truck will sound like without a muffler and then once I do, I know I will not want to be without that sound and thus seal the decision on getting a system installed.

 

What exhaust are you putting on. When I installed my supertruck, it was made the right length to cut the exhaust forward of the joint. I put the new exhaust up there and lined it up with the hangers. Then marked where to cut (just forward of the joint) and cut it with a sawzall. It fit perfect.

 

The best way to get the joint apart it to make 2 paralel cuts in the outer part of the joint(don't cut into the inner layer)about 2" apart. Then use a large screw driver to spread the tubing apart. I used a pneumatic cut-off wheel.

 

Thanks V-10. I think its time to get the dremel out! Hopefully this warm weather here will hold out for me to try it tommorrow! It is 65 here in Chicago!

 

I was underneath my truck this afternoon and removed all the hanger hardware and the first clamp forward of the muffler with the counter balance on it. I was hoping the muffler and exhaust pipe would simply slide rearward off of the center section of pipe. But just like MisterP, it wouldnt! I then searched this site and came across this thread. This site rocks!

What is the deal with this joint that it won't come off, even after hitting the muffler with a block of wood and a hammer. Is the inner pipe flaired on the end so when the clamp is tightened it forms a tight seal and bends the outer pipe to conform to the inner?

Is the only way to the muffler off is to cut it? I want to be able to put the muffler back on.

I also noticed some sort of "locating pin"?? facing the driver side frame rail. What does that do?

 

They won't come off because they are crimped togeather. I will tell you it is a bitch to get them to seporate after using a muffler clamp. You need heat. If you don't have heat then the best thing to do is cut off in front of the crimp. You can get your local parts store to make you a small extension to fill the gap.
A friend of mine installed a Flowmaster cat back with duel pipes out the back. The instructions said don't cut the pipe. He worked on his for 5 hours to get them apart. Finally had to put a come-along hooked to the rear frame and the cable around the muffler to help pull it off while he twisted.
Good luck!!!