Replacing just the muffler?
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Replacing just the muffler?
Hello folks!
My ranger's muffler is going away... It's perforated along the "seam" so it's making a little more puffing noises.
But the rest of the piping look in very good shape.
Since the exhaust system is in one piece, is it possible to cut the old muffler out and clamp a replacement in? I fear that if I go to a muffler shop, they'll try and sell me a whole system where I really don't think it needs one.
I'm not looking for more sound or grunt, i'd be quite content with another stock muffler, just don't want to change things that don't need changing...
Thanks!
Marc
My ranger's muffler is going away... It's perforated along the "seam" so it's making a little more puffing noises.
But the rest of the piping look in very good shape.
Since the exhaust system is in one piece, is it possible to cut the old muffler out and clamp a replacement in? I fear that if I go to a muffler shop, they'll try and sell me a whole system where I really don't think it needs one.
I'm not looking for more sound or grunt, i'd be quite content with another stock muffler, just don't want to change things that don't need changing...
Thanks!
Marc
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From: Fuquay Varina,NC
you can certainly change out just the muffler. If you want a stock style one, it may be best to go to a local muffler shop and just get it replaced. Most of the work they do is probably stock muffler replacements, so they wont be suprised.
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From: Ohio
I'm not one to spend for unnecessary repairs but the thing I wonder about is the status of your converter. You don't say the age or mileage of your truck and there does come a point where the cat gets clogged, or soon will, and it will need changed out. If you are in the 100,000 or above range the question may be whether you are better off doing it now as it will save you money in the long run rather than the potentially higher cost of one repair now and another later. I have a 97 with 95K miles on it and I know the converter is going, but the muffler seems fine. I'm going to talk to the shop about it but I'll probably end up doing both as I suspect it will be cheaper in the long run.
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Thanks for the info Customstringer...
I just bought the Ranger 2 weeks ago, I don't plan on using it as a daily driver, just a weekend thing since I have a company car for my job.
The ranger is a 1994 2.3L 4cyl, it has 141,000Km on it (87,000 miles)
The engine seems to be doing well, aside from the temp being low(changed t-stat,now suspect the clutch fan is also to blame) and the only thing I can really complain about right now is the perforated muffler, so that may be next on my list...
Everything else is minor... I don't plan on making a new truck out of it, just want to fix it up and stabilize what's been neglected...
Thanks for your replies guys!
Marc
I just bought the Ranger 2 weeks ago, I don't plan on using it as a daily driver, just a weekend thing since I have a company car for my job.
The ranger is a 1994 2.3L 4cyl, it has 141,000Km on it (87,000 miles)
The engine seems to be doing well, aside from the temp being low(changed t-stat,now suspect the clutch fan is also to blame) and the only thing I can really complain about right now is the perforated muffler, so that may be next on my list...
Everything else is minor... I don't plan on making a new truck out of it, just want to fix it up and stabilize what's been neglected...
Thanks for your replies guys!
Marc
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From: Ohio
At that mileage you might want to consider taking a rubber mallet and rapping on the converter to see if you hear anything loose. If so that's a sign of things to come. But you may be OK with just the muffler. I'd also consider pulling a plug or two and looking at their condition, while they are supposed to be 100,000 mile at that mileage plugs and wires might be a good investment in the near future. The engine uses 8 plugs so its not as cheap to do as with a typical 4 banger, but when I did it on mine, new double plats all the way around, it was noticeable change in performance. Good luck with your new truck.
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From: suburban atlanta
I replaced the muffler on my '85. Cut the pipe VERY close to the muffler, and the new one will fit perfectly. I got it at Advance for less than $20. Kind of a messy job, but it was a good excuse to get a 'sawzall'.. The old one had lasted 19 years, so I had no complaint. heh.
tom
tom
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Thanks, plugs and wires are planned, but I don't know if it'll be this fall or next spring...
How much do you think a cat and muffler goes for? I know prices will vary from region to region, but a general ballpark figure?
How much do you think a cat and muffler goes for? I know prices will vary from region to region, but a general ballpark figure?
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From: Denver
I'd recommend having the muffler shop weld in a new muffler, rather than clamping one on yourself. Also, get one that is stainless - it'll last a lot longer than the aluminized steel variety.
I've never had a cat go bad, unless the vehicle has run rich for an extended period of time, so I'd say that's unlikely to be necessary.
I've never had a cat go bad, unless the vehicle has run rich for an extended period of time, so I'd say that's unlikely to be necessary.
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From: Racine county, WI
Originally Posted by customstringer
The cat probably is anywhere from $250 to $300. Muffler, really varies depending upon what you want but I'd say under $100 bucks, gaskets, clamps and whatnot would be additional expense as needed.
You might want to shop around. The Direct OE fit cat from Walker is only $90 for his truck.Aramis, if it's not broke don't fix it! Stick to the muffler change. You can get a Walker econo fit series for $26. Add in a couple clamps and you're done. At 87k you seriously shouldn't have a bad converter. Also, I'm recommending staying away from stainless unless you plan on replacing the whole system. No need having a muffler that is going to out last the rest of the exhuast.
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From: Ohio
I don't disagree with the suggestions in the above post, though I guess whether to go stainless depends upon how long you plan on keeping the truck. The muffler on mine is the original and in its first 9 years saw alot of winter weather. So the muffler took some abuse. If your muffler is original and your truck is a 94, that reinforces the point. But it is true a stainless one has considerably more durability.
As far as the cat, the reason I brought it up is because from what I've been told more than once by others in the forum is that Ford had some durability issues with the OEM cat on the 2.3 powered trucks of this vintage. The ceramic components inside had a tendency to break apart, leading to clogs. That can result in a loss of power and, sooner or later, burning things in the engine. So I am just going with what I have learned from others and it perhaps is just one of those better safe than sorry situations.
I suspect one way to address this is that a shop can test the converter, some of the muffler places may even do it for free. All that any of us can offer is advice and then it is just a question of deciding which way to go.
As far as the cat, the reason I brought it up is because from what I've been told more than once by others in the forum is that Ford had some durability issues with the OEM cat on the 2.3 powered trucks of this vintage. The ceramic components inside had a tendency to break apart, leading to clogs. That can result in a loss of power and, sooner or later, burning things in the engine. So I am just going with what I have learned from others and it perhaps is just one of those better safe than sorry situations.
I suspect one way to address this is that a shop can test the converter, some of the muffler places may even do it for free. All that any of us can offer is advice and then it is just a question of deciding which way to go.
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From: Ohio
Wow, if you could kindly let me know a purchasing source for the Walker direct fit cat I'd appreciate it. In checking around here at NAPA and a couple of other sources the direct fit cats, engine specific, were in the range I specified. Don't even want to mention what the Ford one costs.
My truck has 95K miles and my cat is going, so while I'd like to say for sure my problem is unique, that's not what I've been led to believe. I'd surely appreciate a source for the Walker cat since I know I need to r/r mine. Thanks.
My truck has 95K miles and my cat is going, so while I'd like to say for sure my problem is unique, that's not what I've been led to believe. I'd surely appreciate a source for the Walker cat since I know I need to r/r mine. Thanks.
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From: Racine county, WI
Originally Posted by customstringer
Wow, if you could kindly let me know a purchasing source for the Walker direct fit cat I'd appreciate it. In checking around here at NAPA and a couple of other sources the direct fit cats, engine specific, were in the range I specified. Don't even want to mention what the Ford one costs.
My truck has 95K miles and my cat is going, so while I'd like to say for sure my problem is unique, that's not what I've been led to believe. I'd surely appreciate a source for the Walker cat since I know I need to r/r mine. Thanks.
My truck has 95K miles and my cat is going, so while I'd like to say for sure my problem is unique, that's not what I've been led to believe. I'd surely appreciate a source for the Walker cat since I know I need to r/r mine. Thanks.
EDIT: Just checked around and Autozone is $140 for his. It's a different brand too.
EDIT: I just noticed that you have a 97, that makes a huge difference and in your case you are stuck with a $250-$300 price tag. OUCH!
Last edited by OSin86; Oct 2, 2006 at 12:41 PM.
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From: Ohio
Interesting. I assumed his 94 2.3 would be the same as my 97 2.3 emission-wise etc. However, if they are different that may also mean he may not have the reliability problem that I am stuck with. So maybe there is no cat change in his future.
I do have one additional question, although our converters are different, I am wondering if yours bolts to the exhaust manifold [as opposed to studs or some other arrangement]. The 97 2.3 cat has two holes that match up with threads in the exhaust manifold. I'm just wondering how difficult it is going to be to get those bolts out and what it will take, PB blaster, heat, impact wrench etc. If I take on this job I'd prefer not to break the heads off those bolts and if there is such a risk I'll leave it to the shop. Thanks.
I do have one additional question, although our converters are different, I am wondering if yours bolts to the exhaust manifold [as opposed to studs or some other arrangement]. The 97 2.3 cat has two holes that match up with threads in the exhaust manifold. I'm just wondering how difficult it is going to be to get those bolts out and what it will take, PB blaster, heat, impact wrench etc. If I take on this job I'd prefer not to break the heads off those bolts and if there is such a risk I'll leave it to the shop. Thanks.