Weld-on or bolt-on exhaust?

Hey guys, I need a opinion: I am able to purchase a exhaust for my DC and I am just sure what I should do. I have narrowed it to one of two things....

1. Order Flowmaster American Thunder exhaust....

2. Take it to my local exhaust shop and have 40 series duals welded on....

Which one?

 

I'd weld it on...

 

x2

 

x3 x4 x5 x6 x7

 

weld

 

weld

 

weld it my buddy did mine and it only took about an hour

 

Weld it, those bolt-ons eventually move

 

yea id say weld it. I have mine bolted on for a long time, but right after taking it offroad it likes to fall off. Luckily i have other cables supporting it so when it does fall off it stays under the truck until i can pull over.

 

Sweet, ok heres another question... Should I have them run it out the back, or dump behind tires?

 

I personally like behind the tires because the tips may get messed up if you off road. Looks wise I think I like them out the back though. If you have the chrome bumper and chrome tips I think that looks great. I think that's what Will(Tacoman06) had.

 

I have the Flowmaster 50 series American Thunder dual exhaust system andI just bolted mine. I know its better to weld but I have had mine on for over a year and no issues yet. I am noticing a considerable amount of rust on the clips and bolts and theres even spots rusting on the exhaust and pipes themselves!!! I have heard of Flowmasters having rust problems but I didnt think mine would start so soon. I mean its not bad or anything but it just bugs me.

 

Get some high heat paint from a hardware store the stuff meant for grills. Unbolt that thing and repaint. Problem solved. With the high heat paint you don't even need to prime it.

 

Yeah I was thinking the same thing with the grill paint. I'll end up doing it here pretty soon. Sucks to cause even the exhaust tips have a tiny bit of rust on them and they are polished tips. Anyone know if you can sand the rust away with maybe some 2000 grit sandpaper? Or would it ruin the finish to much?

 

I wish I knew.

 

So after pricing today I decided to go with the Flowmaster American Thunder Series Catback Exhaust. It will be installed Wednesday.. weee... Everyone wanted 300-350 to weld in a dual 40/50 series, and I got the catback for alittle less. I live in a military town and the shops are horrible here. I did manage to get my windows tinted 15% for 60 bucks though..Looks tons better...

 

I went bolt-on (MBRP) because I didn't want to take my truck into a shop. Can't trust anyone around here to do anything right and not mess around with a vehicle that isn't theirs.

 

mine has been clamped because I have changed mufflers 3 times

you better know thats what you want before you get it welded. I mean, yes, it can be cut and re welded, but it can get ugly. but who looks under there anyway

Justin

 

Might give this a try:
Remove the exhaust tips if they are bolted on. This will make it easier to clean the entire surface of the tips. Skip this step if they are welded on or you don't want to remove them.
Step 2:
Wash the exhaust tips with a mild cleaner and clean, dry towels. For a cleaner you can use dish washing detergent or a product such as Simple Green.
Step 3:
Polish the exhaust tips with a good quality metal polish . Apply the polish with a clean, dry towel and then buff it out to get an idea of where the rust is located.
Step 4:
Remove persistent rust that has caused minor pitting with a very fine steel wool pad and the metal polish. Rub the polish into the rusted areas. Rinse the tips off thoroughly with water.
Step 5:
Remove rust that does not come off with the chrome polish with aluminum foil and white vinegar. Fold the aluminum foil into a palm-sized square and dip the foil into the vinegar. Place the foil in the palm of your hand and rub it onto the rust on the exhaust tips. Repeat the process until the rust is removed. You can substitute Coca Cola for the white vinegar. Rinse the tips with water and dry.
Step 6:
Polish the tips again with the chrome polish after you use the white vinegar and aluminum foil. Use a clean, dry towel to apply the polish and then buff it off.

 

Weld