Restricted exhaust
 

I have a 1998 Limited, and I have been doing a lot of past due maintenance recently.
I just noticed the exhaust down pipe just below the manifold flange has a large dent, pretty much at the first bend.
In my estimation it looks like it could be cutting down the flow by around 25%-35%
My question is: With stock exhaust manifold/header, etc. is it worth fixing right now?
Do you think that I'm losing any power or fuel economy with a stock 4.0 Liter and this much restriction?
If so, I will pull off the pipe and take it to an exhaust shop for repair, while i have it up in the air.
Any thoughts are appreciated?

It's not broken. Don't fix it.

It came that way from that factory, and is the same on my 96.

A post just like yours shows up here about every 60 days describing it.

And I freaked out the first time I saw it....just like you.

Restricted exhaust
 

NEVER MIND I FOUND MY ANSWER IN A PREVIOUS THREAD.
IT IS A FACTORY DENT FOR CLEARANCE.
SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.
I have a 1998 Limited, and I have been doing a lot of past due maintenance recently.
I just noticed the exhaust down pipe just below the manifold flange has a large dent, pretty much at the first bend.
In my estimation it looks like it could be cutting down the flow by around 25%-35%
My question is: With stock exhaust manifold/header, etc. is it worth fixing right now?
Do you think that I'm losing any power or fuel economy with a stock 4.0 Liter and this much restriction?
If so, I will pull off the pipe and take it to an exhaust shop for repair, while i have it up in the air.
Otherwise, I am planning on upgrading the whole system, ( performance header, cat, muffler, & pipe) eventually.
Any thoughts are appreciated?

Thank you.
Yeah, i just saw a couple of threads with the same issue right before you answered.
I guess i should do more research before wasting peoples time.
1998 Limited 3" budget lift 235/75/15 BFG T/A KO2'S (will be 32"x11.50x15" soon)

I didn't mean it like that.

He didn't mean it like that. It's a common question because it just looks so WRONG. Anyone with any sense sees that for the first time and wonders how his exhaust pipe got dented! And then some numbskull on a forum tells you it's normal, and you are left scratching your head. Don't sweat it.

I don't know if anyone has the definitive answer on why it's made that way. I have heard several conflicting theories.

I know exactly why. Same reason there are flat spots on the pipe where it passes over the crossmember.
I was given the answer by a Jeep Field engineer who had worked on getting the initial 4.0 emissions compliant.

It's not conflicting either.

you would think it would only matter at high RPM

however, what I can say, is with my 3 x '96, one is stock, 2 with headers and 2.5" exhaust..all have roughly the same mileage.

You can really feel additional power

Removing the restriction results in a seat of the pants difference in power.

Have to be careful though because you CAN end up with interference with the front driveshaft with no lift and out 4 wheeling.

I have the local muffler shop make me a new headpipe and tuck it up close to the engine and out of the path of the driveshaft.