Hello Everybody,

First post here. Just bought my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport a few months ago, and been doing some tune-up stuff. It is a 4.0, auto trans, 4x4, 4 door with upgraded 16 inch wheels running 225/75/R16 tires. All the rest is pretty much OEM.

I've learned a lot from your forums, but have a question about the exhaust. The muffler needs to be replaced in the very near future. I was going to take it in to let somebody else do it, but I have read that many of you here do that work yourself. I have basic tools (no grinder, air tools, blow torch, welder, etc.) Is this a job I can do myself?

The joint between towards the front of the muffler doesn't seem to be welded and is a little bit "loose", that is with a little force I can move that joint. See picture. The joint behind the muffler, that is between the muffler and the tailpipe, looks to be welded. I suppose I could cut that out with a hacksaw of needed. See other picture.

I want to keep my Cherokee stock (at this point anyways). What do you suggest for parts? Is it as easy a "plug-and-play", like these parts fit together without any welding?

Muffler:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/w...983%7CL3*15335

Tail Pipe (assuming I need one)
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/w...188/18382005-P

Thanks!

 

You can do it yourself. If you want to do it without welding I used these clamps at the joints. Put hi temp RTV on the pipes before slipping them together being careful that you don't leave any where the clamps go. May cause them to slip. These are for a 2.25" exhaust system. If you get a different brand just make sure they are lap joint clamps and not butt joint.


http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...archTerm=33231

 

yes, it is a fairly easy job. i had the bend the metal hanger on the tailpipe because it was a bit off when welded on it. just dont pound the muffler on to the cat with a hammer. my buddy did that and broke the innards in the cat and it rattled.

 

Sure, you can do it yourself. But having an angle grinder will take the job from awful to just annoying. If you like playing with rusty pipes and you're bored, then this might be the project you seek. Don't do it to save gobs of cash, as you can find a private shop to do it for a reasonable price.

 

Thanks for your replies.

I wonder why there is no lap joint on the front of the muffler now? Looks like the muffler just slides on top of the pipe. There is a protruding piece at the bottom of the front pipe, and a cut out notch that accepts that piece on the muffler to ensure they slide together correctly.