jblackmon421

I have a 93 HO 4.0 and have a few questions about the exhaust.

1. How hard is it to change a muffler and exhaust pipe myself in the driveway with no jack stands?

2. There is a rattle coming from somewhere in the exhaust. It sounds like a tin can rattling around. It maybe coming from the catalytic converter? Not sure, but it is pretty loud and only does it when the engine is idling.

3. What is the cost if I take it to a shop compared to me doing it myself?

Sorry for the long post. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jay

jd4x426

its not that hard and can be done without jackstands you will save a considerable amount doing it yourself just like everything else any parts store should have replacement parts or if you want an aftermarket kit there are plenty to choose from

jonnyb78

is ur xj lifted at all. stock there a little tight to get under. 4 me anyways. its an easy job to do. u might want to at least get ramps to get it off the ground. i am going to guess that u have a broken hanger somewhere. get under there and wiggle the pipe around and see if its coming into contact with anything. should be easy enough 4 u to do. no need to take it to a shop unless u cant find anything.

jblackmon421

Thanks for the replies guys. I don't have a lift yet, that is next month's project. My muffler has holes in it and sounds horrible. Do I need any special tools or will a socket set work? I have never done exhaust work before.

Thanks,

Jay

nasonguy

if you get your cat. converter off, shake it around, it may be that the catalytic element (the really fine mesh/honeycomb stuff) is broken and just bumping around in there, that's one of the current issues with mine, hehe.

jonnyb78

depends on what u need to replace. but 4 the most part no just basic hand tools and maybe a propane torch if the pipes dont wanna come apart. it might be a little tight working under there at stock height. hope ur skinny lol

nasonguy

liquid wrench and a propane torch, those are key. And contrary to my initial suspicions, liquid wrench does not catch fire, it just smokes, haha.

BE SURE TO WEAR GLASSES, rust flakes in the eyes are really really bad for your eye sight... lol.

jonnyb78

especially when there hot or soaked in oil or both

jblackmon421

Thanks again for the help guys. I just went out and pushed against the catalytic converter and it stopped rattling. I just don't want to spend the money to replace it. How hard is it to gut one. I mean it is already broke so why not right. I don't have a torch and don't know anyone who does. Hopefully it will come apart alright.

Jay

MasterShakeXJ

pretty straight forward to replace the muffler and tailpipe. just cut out the old one and replace.

the rattling could be the cat gone bad or just the whole exhaust shaking.

most exhaust shops will weld it for you, doing it yourself clamps are easier.

edit: i just bought a new cat(said OEM replacement) for $55 shipped.

jonnyb78

its not hard to gut. it is however illegal!!! the cat is responsible for emissions. it will alsoo more than likely throw a code so ur engine light on and probably not pass inspection

jblackmon421

Thanks again. MasterShake, where did you find it for $55 shipped? I looked around and they are pretty expensive.

Willys55

Doing the exhaust on your back in the driveway is fun. It will be like putting socks on a rooster the first time you do it.

matty802vt

If its making noise like a tin can. then i will guarantee that it is the heat shield on top of you cat. they all eventually do it. just rip it off. and if your going to put a new muffler on it go with flow master can. They sound good, and last a long time.

jonnyb78

i have never tried to put socks on a rooster