MY vechicle is a 92 F150, 4 wheel drive, extended cab with 8 foot bed. The current exhaust system is 12 year old and rusting enough where I want to change it. I have never attempted to change it by myself before so I don't know how hard it would be to do or how long it would probably take.

My problem is I need to get it done in 1 or 2 days. All I have access to is a ramp stand and some floor jacks and my tools, roto zip, etc. enough to do the job I believe.

But how hard is it? How high do I have to jack the truck? Do I need a cutting torch? How long should it take to do the job.

Thanks a lot for your support.

Edit: I looked on Chilton's repair manual first and it didn't tell me much. That's why I'm here next.

Regards,
Larry

 

I can give a few suggestions. If you buy identical parts, its not too hard, but yoy need heat (a cutting torch) to heat up siezed fasteners, or for cutting. For a beater truck at work, I started with a new cat back exhaust removed from a brand new truck when they swapped to an aftermarket system. I sourced it on craigslist, and pickups have very similar dimensions, new or old, and usually some wiggle room. The system was 100% stainless and only $65

I had a muffler shop install it, and the installation was $50

Or a muffler shop could fab it by bending straight pipes and a new muffler. Shop around for the best price, as alot of times a shop can do it cheaper and quicker than you or I.

 

Just have a good muffler shop build a custom one for you. I don't think it's terribly expensive, it'll be as good as any performance kit you could buy, and you can tell them exactly how you want it. Where it dumps out, what kind of sound you want, whatever.

 

2002 F350, I have a small oxy acetylene torch. I wonder if just propane would be good enough? I priced the whole thing at NAPA for $300, so not too bad. How high do I need to jack the truck up to be sure of the installation?

Regards,
Larry

 

burnout400m, I am sticking with production unless there is some after market that is really good, improves performance and doesn't screw up the engine - something with a real track record over a long time. I don't want to take chances. Any suggestion?

I would be concerned about taking it to these midas or franchise muffler places. I don't even let them change my oil. I've had too many screw ups to do that- crossed threaded drain plugs, etc.

Regards,
Larry

 

I hear ya, most big chains like that don't do quality work. I always try to find a locally owned and operated shop. If you're lucky a website like yelp.com will have reviews from other people on local businesses.

 

Yeah, you're right. I am debating whether to do it myself or have a local mechanic do it. My residence doesn't allow me to work on my vehicle so I have to be able to do it in a couple of days off the premises.

Regards,
Larry

 

I installed my Dynomax cat back system in an afternoon, but I was starting with a new Magnaflow y-pipe and cat.

 

My residence doesn't allow me to work on my vehicle

I'd move!

 

I'm planning on moving someplace that's a little more friendly for vehicle maintenance but finding some place that allows it can be pretty hard. My last apartment had a rule against it too except there wasn't a property manager on site so I could get away with it.

 

Burnout400m, yeah I would move too except that I can't for the time being. Money wasn't an issue before I got laid off four years ago from a lucrative job because of outsourcing. Now money is and I'm stuck for the time being at the place where I am living. In the meantime I'm getting my truck totally road worthy so I can make a dash for the exit as soon as I have a bite on a good paying job.

One thing I am still trying to find out is how high is acceptable for installation so I can do everything at once without finding out I didn't
plan this out well enough.

Regards,
Larry

 

Back in the day I found out my local carx carried the same walker parts the auto parts store did, and could have it installed for less money than what they wanted over the counter at the parts store.

There are many skilled shops that do nice work. When you do it every day, you get good at it. Depending where you live, ask around and get a few estimates as a reference point, and see who you feel comfortable dealing with.