Is that really legal? You pass a CA inspection that way? I thought exhaust was required to exit after any openings like passenger doors.

Mine is currently in that condition and I'm looking to replace the tailpipe and muffler, but, only so I can pass the NC inspection. If I don't need it, then I don't want it...

It depends your state if its legal or not,Honestly if its a daily driver i rather have it out the back,But if its a off road toy id run it short so it don't get banged up or ripped off.

it has to exit past the passenger compartment. since it's an SUV, it must exit past the rear most door (hatch).
if it was a pickup truck, it would be "legal", however, if the tech can't reach it during a emissions test, he won't test it, therefore you don't get your plate renewed. at least the last part is how it's done up here.

but a turn down in an SUV, you're looking to get sick and possibly kill yourself. or worse, a bus full of kittens.

Maybe in a rusted out POS. Carbon monoxide is odorless, but Jeep exhaust is not. You would know if the cab was leaking fumes, mine most certainly does not. I've driven various XJs for thousands of miles with the exhaust ending at the cat without so much as a turndown. If it passes any inspection in CA with a turndown, it can't be that bad.

My old Chevy pickup, on the other hand, with exhaust coming out at the rear bumper, reeks of exhaust inside. Funny how that works. No rust there either.

After doing more research, I think I am OK with just a turn down. I only need to pass a safety inspection - lights, wipers, brakes.

I am in the same boat atm. However I have the dreaded cracked exhaust header. I was given one that would allow for dual exhaust anyone ever ran dusls?

ok bud, it's your rig. i just hope you don't let any dogs or kids ride in your junk.

I've ran a turn down after the muffler for two years. Tired of that last section of pipe always rusting out. Whether in traffic, highway cruising, or cold weather warm ups, never had any issue with fumes in the cab. Even with Windows up or down. It really does matter of your rusted out underneath.

wow. drama queens unite!

bah. just caught me on a bad day. i'm over it.

Hahah, come on, we all have thick skin here and have our experiences and opinions. I also know caged is a good member here and respect his views.

debatable haha

I've passed multiple smog tests with the muffler chopped off. CA doesn't do inspections unless they are random smog check points, or if you're required to go visit a referee (usually to get a vehicle from non-op back to street registered). You're just not allowed to modify the exhaust before the cat if it changes the location of the cat.


as for the exhaust fumes, they are real. thinking about it now I would not recommend a turn down. I must've lost a few brain cells over the years :D but my jeep was doorless, it's harder to notice

Thanks to all the replies, many of which I've found helpful :D I was in London hence my delayed reply.

It's registered in Michigan so no emissions test. It's no longer a daily driver which is partly why I posted this thread.

From all I've read it's difficult and somewhat cost prohibitive to squeeze HP & torque out of the 4.0L, and frankly I can get by with the power from the 2001 powertrain.

Like the second poster said, I should inspect it all first to know what has to go and what doesn't. I'm certain all the hangers need to be replace, and the hardware because it's all rusted to shyt. Tubes and flanges are fine. Muffler is junk. Cat looks fine but probably doesn't "meow" anymore.

I'm favoring replacing Cat (go ahead, call me a tree hugger) to tail pipe, but leaving everything else, manifold to the input to the Cat. I've read about the dent in the down tube from the manifold, but haven't read an easy, affordable way to replace it, so I'll just leave it alone.

I have been searching this site looking for mods for horsepower as well. But most seem to be going loud. I have 2 kids under 6 and this will be a camping/skiing rig. Looking for as much horsepower but keeping cabin noise moderate. Off shelf cold air intakes for her seem to nonexistent and exhaust seem to focus on noise vs HP. Dont care about fuel economy, just looking to climb the altitude towing a camper or weekend of ski gear. Looking for advise with some miles on them, not brand new mods. Have a moderate budget so can't go nutty but not going cheap either. Thanks for everyone's advise and previous knowledge I have gained
Oh, I put 2" lift running 29's so HP should go farther.
but really sounds like the upgrade in muffler is all about sound and not HP for the cost. Maybe have them run 2.5" and see what they offer at the shop. Id like to open the intake as well, but not much on that I see. Ill look into this 4 hole injector and see where that gets me. thanks all
Bringing back to life an 89, 4.0 with 215k. 2 months in the garage with lots of oil leaks fixed, shes on her way to recovery.
cheers to another XJ back on the road