Well I think I've decided on a Gibson Sweptside for my truck to replace the rotted out system I got on my truck a while back.

Interestingly enough, when I took it to a local shop looking at Dynomax, they looked at me like I was crazy for wanting to put a muffler back on . . . they seemed to think I would get more performance by leaving it free-flowing. I explained that I wanted low end torque and that the research I did (mainly this board) suggested that too much free flow would hurt low end because of the loss in backpressure . . . they again looked at me like I had three heads Oh well . . . anyway, when it was up on the hoist, they noted that all I had was straight pipes and a resonator . . . no muffler. I hope my low end improves with the Gibson

My question is, how difficult is this to install on your own? Is it something you could do in an afternoon? I don't have any sophisticated tools but will have lots of patience and time. Is it possible or should I just find a shop that will put it on? Also, how does it attach to the stock stuff? Does it just clamp on by the cats or are there bolts? I haven't crawled under my truck yet to "scout" it out . . .

Any other advice?

Thanks!

1997 F-150 4x4 EC SB 4.6L Auto 3.55LS

 

It is very easy and can be accomplished in an afternoon, no problem. All you need is some basic tools and a saw.
I unbolted the clamp holding the stock pipe, pulled the hangers out of the grommets, lowered the spare tire and there you have it. Just follow the instructions. Although, having a helper there to pull the exhaust over the rear axle would be beneficial.
Start spraying the clamp and hangers with WD-40 or something similar now to make removal easier.
I had to cut 13" off the tail pipe so the polished tip would be in the proper location. A sawzall is really useful here.
The sound is good. Nicer than stock. The performance is not low end. If you want low end torque, but still want sound, stick to 2.5" pipe and a free-flowing muffler. These engines need backpressure. There's now way around it to keep low end. Good Luck

 

I agree completely. I put a Side Swept on my '95 and it wasn't a bad job at all. Getting the old stuff off was the only real work, the rest was simple placement and wrench turning.

I didn't have a Sawzall so I got an exhaust tubing cutter from the loaners at the parts store. Worked well even though it was human powered.

I did mine in the winter and split it over a couple days due to lack ot light and time. I would estimate if I jumped on it and did it no more than 2 - 2.5 hours max, and even that is allowing to take your time and do it right.

 

I agree with them, I done mine in my drive way, couple of hours with the whole project. a nice pair of jack stands and a floor jack and a saw zaw and a hammer and a few wrenches


Dale

 

Well, I have the Gibson Swept Side on my 2000 Supercab Flareside. I took it to meineke and for $35.00 it was on in Twenty minutes. They have a tool to pull the hangers out and a Saw zaw to cut pipes. They also have a torch to weld the pipes instead of using the clamp out back. Gibson makes this exhaust for the Styleside and Falreside so the back pipe was way to long and had to be cut as well.
Best $35.00 spent. I gave the guy a $10.00 tip too.

Best thing about this exhaust is it is not loud,wife does not know I even replaced the exhaust!

 

I almost bought the Gibson Sweptside. Got talked into Magnaflo. If the Gibson is as quiet as you say, I may end going with it. How is the sound at 75 or 80 mph in the cab?

 

i have gibson swept side on my expedition and it is great. A very nice low note. Afternoon install and gained power and torque. good buy for a towing vehicle i'd say

 

I've got the Gibson "Dual Sport" which is basically the same system except it has dual tailpipes out the side. It's a bit louder than the single "Swept Side" but still is not "loud", just a nice low deep tone. It's not that difficult to install, took me about 3 hours. I noticed a little bit of a performance gain.