How badly has this been affecting my mpg/performance?

Been like this the last two years that I have owned it.

Looks like the hulk pinched it with his finger and thumb definitely restricting it by half.

*some nice high res pics, makes me wonder what my 4k pics would look like.

 

Noticed this same thing on mine when I first got it about 5 years Ago. Had the muffler shop fix it with new tube when I had my cat back put on.

One wheeling trip later (or regular driving, I have no idea) and it looked the exact same. I've given up at this point. Im not a doctor but I'm 60% confident that 90% of XJs have this issue.

-Alex

 

It's normal. They come from the factory like that.

 

It's that way to help heat the catalytic converter up.

 

So there is no excuse for getting performance/new headers and exhaust?

my 100th Post!!

 

it's a great excuse for a better downpipe. you can find them without the crush in it.

 

No crush is great and works great.

Be aware though that if you get a downpipe with no crush, and it's the same basic shape as the original, you could whack it with your driveshaft.
I have mine made by the local muffler shop and he tucks them up tighter than the factory routed them.

 

I've recalled you mentioning this. Something about using two 45° bends instead of the stock 90° one?

 

I would go to a shop but I am tired of contributing to leeches and parasites trying to find a mechanic with matching morals.

 

Yes.

 

The "crushed" area is for driveshaft clearance on a bone stock, un-lifted XJ.

 

Nope. Disguised as such per my buddy in Jeep Engineering. Really there, along with the area above the crossmember and before muffler and cat, to slow down the exhaust and get the cat working sooner.

 

So I'm safe without the "crush"? I would like it to run maybe an inch further from the oil pan, looks like I have enough clearance between oil pan and driveshaft to make this happen.

Plan on replacing headers all the way back, don't want loud maybe just a little rumble though. If I could go completely silent, I would do that

 

"Safe"? Whaddya mean? I know a good muffler shop can make one that won't hit. as for off the shelf, unless you're lifted over 3", I'd be concerned.