Novice here - has anyone replaced the tailpipe hanger/mount? Got the U-Bolt off and it looks like I just need a new hanger. However mounting it is what I'm wondering about - those two bolts come in from above. Do I take that whole metal plate off to get a new mount in? (Don't mind the clothes hanger & yes my jeep could use a wash, water leak makes that tough lol)

 

Do you have access to a welder? A short solution would be to just weld that piece of hanger right to the u-bolt

 

I do not have access to a welder currently. Quadratec sells the piece I need for pretty cheap here https://www.quadratec.com/products/5...4aAgSMEALw_wcB

Feel like it wouldn't be too bad of a swap out if its just that plate that comes off

 

hopefully those bolts dont break on you in the process

 

Yeah, good call. So far 50% of the bolts. I try and take out from underneath the car break lol

 

I believe that those 2 bolts coming down through the rubber strip are welded to the mounting plate above, so theoretically you wont have to remove the plate from the vehicle body, although that's easier said than done...

 

Not going to lie, that is going to be a PITA repair. Not too bad, but time consuming. Start soaking those bolts with penetrating oil at least once a day for a couple weeks before you attempt to take them off. I actually replaced that hanger on my 92 a few weeks back, but mine actually had bolts that went up into threads in the frame. It took me awhile to get it lined up properly, but I got it. If you can loosen the fuel tank and shift it over a little bit to get some clearance, that will help.

 

I have the same mount sitting in the bedroom waiting to be installed. The 2 bolts inside the rubber are tackwelded to the backside of the plate. If they snap, no worries. I took the old mount (original, i think) off my 97, and that large stud to the left of the mount threads into the nutstrip inside the frame rail. The nut wouldnt let go so i ended up pulling the entire stud. Dont worry about it if yours does the same. As long as the threads are ok. The bolt to the right of the mount came out no problem. I dont remember if it threaded into the nutstrip.

Wear eye protection under there. The ER is no fun.

 

The 98 XJ I bought a few months ago looked exactly like yours around the tailpipe -- it was held on with what looked like a wire coat hanger and a ziptie (which of course didn't last long). I was going to re mount it myself, my old U bolt was seized around the tailpipe. Was planning to buy a universal tailpipe mount off amazon for like $20 and tackle it myself, but not having access to a welder, I wised up and just took it to a muffler shop. They welded new mounts in 2 locations along the exhaust, only $40 or $50 bucks where I'm at. In and out in 20 minutes. Exhaust is nice and steady. A week later I replaced my cracked exhaust manifold too.
I'd consider just taking to a muffler shop. Quick and easy. Just my 2 cents.