Muffler question. NOT about an exhaust system

It’s been a very long time since I’ve had to mess with a stock muffler on any of my previous vehicles. I’ve either kept them stock or have done a decent upgrade. So I really feel I’m asking a stupid question here.

On my “new to me” 98, it has the stock exhaust system. At the moment I’m not looking to upgrade this. But the original muffler does have a hole in it on the top side. Kinds shocked it’s not at the bottom. Obvious it’s a little loud driving down the road.

Can this muffler be replaced with a basic or universal muffler or does it need to be Toyota muffler? I’m ONLY asking because of the screwed up EPA crap that I’m not aware of. Would a universal muffler come under attack in a safety or emissions test?

Thanks for any info and don't bash on my too bad for such a stupid question. But when the EPA is involved, they require some ridiculous stuff.

Off subject, at work we still have a 91 (I think, maybe 92) Toyota pickup, they used to call it a 1 Ton according to the sticker on the tailgate. It’s got over 300,000 miles and has been beat to death most likely from every employee we’ve had since it was new. It was used as our shop truck, running materials to job sites. It just runs and runs and runs pretty damm good. But now it won’t pass smog test in CA. Since it’s owned by a business we can’t get the exemption and a few mechanics have told us over 2 grand to “maybe” fix it. So now it’s just parked in the back lot. I really wanted to see of that thing would get up to 400,000 miles. And seriously, regular maintenance is all that’s ever been done on it. Original motor, trans, rear end, paint, etc, etc. I have to think maintenance was the key. Just a little info I thought I’d share.

 

I recently got a nice generic muffler at the local muffler shop
for $50 or $60... if you ask your question at a good local-to-you
muffler shop, they'll probably have what you need and know about
the local regulations...

-Mike "I put a car muffler on my 8N "

 

I just want the cheapest thing 8 can get for now. Can’t afford a new exhaust kit but it’s on the list.

 

I paid to replace my muffler with another stock-like muffler, but . . .

After I did that I was digging through the plastic folder that has my owner's manual in it. Also in there was a little booklet that is titled something like "Maintanece schedule" or something. In there is a paragraph that says something about the muffler being warrantied for life. I didn't get a chance to test that out because I had already bought one, but look for the booklet and see if yours is the same. I'll try to get more specific info when I get home if I don't forget.

 

That wound be a fun conversation to have. Just remember that for life doesn't generally mean forever. But I'd still make the dealer tell me no!

 

Ill have to try that. I’d be almost embarrassed to ask them to replace a muffler on a 23 year old vehicle. But if they will, it’s better for me. Thanks for the idea.

 

Honest question - no snark intended. What's the difference between for life and forever?

 

This has come up for me with North Face gear. I think of as a lifetime guarantee being the manufacturer’s expected number of years for a piece of gear to last, and forever is forever. One is infinite, the other is limited.

 

Everything has lifetime expectation. Once an item reaches that age, it's lifespan has been met. If it fails before then, it's a warranty issue. If it fails after, time to buy a new one. Some parts may be true lifetime warrant . As long as the original owner has it. As soon as it trades hands, that warranty is over. It just depends on the manufacturer.

 

Makes sense. Thanks.

 

I don't know the name of the booklet. I tore the cover off to use as a backing for something. Maybe it's called "Passport to Performance". Maybe.

The text says:
"Toyota's confidence in its products and commitment to customer satisfaction are demonstrated by outstanding warranty coverage - including a lifetime guarantee on replacement mufflers, exhaust pipes, shock absorbers, struts and strut cartridges. When purchased at and installed by a Toyota dealership, these Genuine Toyota Parts are guaranteed to the original purchaser for the life of the vehicle. This includes coverage for parts and labor."

Then in small print, "For complete details of the Toyota Lifetime Guarantee, see an authorized Toyota dealer."

It may mean if your factory muffler fails and you buy a replacement from a dealer *that* one has a lifetime warranty. Who knows?

 

my muffler/exhuast that replaced stock has 1million mile warranty, it is the last I shall ever need until i reach 1million miles so I shall see lol
it cost nearly exact as the OEM replacement that was not easy to locate if it even exists, some local dealers had difficulty locating part

 

Two dealer here 8n the Big Island. Neither are much help. One dealer said 3 yr, 36,000 which I know can’t be correct. Other dealer said they call back. They haven’t yet. But one shop I visited took a look and will cut out old muffler and weld a generic one in place. Good enough for now. It’s going to be a while before I can afford a minimal build. Right now I just need a few minor things fixed. The muffler is the most annoying at the moment.

 

I think they only care about the catalytic converter since the muffler doesn't do much for emissions. The previous owner of my truck put a loud muffler on it (I think it was a Magnaflow). I had it replaced with a generic muffler at the local muffler shop (apparently I am too old because it was too loud). No problems. I have been through the California smog process a few times.
One time at the smog place I saw a lady fail visual because the catalytic converter didn't have the right marking on it. Should be good to go for just about any muffler.
Matt

 

As long as there is a muffler on the truck that’s all that matters. The factory muffler is probably no longer available or it is $800+. Just take to a local muffler shop, have them cut it out and weld in a replacement for a couple hundred.

 

Thanks for the reply. I was born in CA, lived there almost all my life and I think the smog inspections are just ridiculous. I didn’t pass once because I apparently didn’t have the correct gas cap. It wasn’t faulty, use the wrong one. Funny because it was the same one that came with the car when I bought it new. But I let the guy doing the inspection screw me for the new $20 cap just to get it done and over with. I’ve been in Hawaii about 6 months and while they don’t require smog inspections, they require safety inspections. And they are strict. I think even more so than CA is on their smog inspections. I’m sure one day CA will start a safety test. Think of all the jobs it would create and the additional revenue for CA. (Being sarcastic).

 

Well now that you CA perhaps my advice is wrong. They probably want you to buy a new truck, or do an electric conversion on your current one

 

You can buy the muffler assembly for $100 bucks. cheaper than having someone weld an aftermarket one in for you. You can get one from $60 - $125 depending. Go to rockauto.com