DIY Trailhunter tail pipe

I've been wanting to do this DIY Trailhunter tailpipe since I purchased the truck 3 months ago. Sure, I could spend $80 to $200 for an OEM or aftermarket one but I have the skills to do this for free and wanted to do it. Once I discovered that its a "simple" two cut and weld procedure my decision was made. This is totally made using the existing pipe.

Basically, I made a cut just behind the hanger and then rotate the bend downward and chop the end off:


I used a cut off wheel and angle grinder to make the cuts:


I used an angle grinder to make sure the ends are square. I have a friend that can weld better then me so I had him weld it. I made marks to show the orientation so the flat downward cut is parallel with the mounting holes(not critical).

 

Nice. TIG or MIG?

 

Definitely MIG! lol

 

I know that is how Toyota did it, but seems like they should have used a different muffler where the space to the flange was shorter. That way the tip could be angled 45deg down and out to let the exhaust gas and heat to exit from under the vehicle (without hitting the tire).

 

I think if I were to go that route, I would cut the tailpipe so that the end of the exhaust was just after the rear axle. That would place it more back and also higher up for clearance.

 

Thanks. I was asking in context of retaining stainless properties

not a big deal here in GA, more curiousity since im set up for MIG but not TIG.

 

Its TIG with rod added. My friend is a good welder but doesn't weld much thin pipe. He did an adequate job but its not a work of art.

 

I thought about rotating the tip outward towards the drive side some. But I decided to keep it simple like the OEM one.

 

That makes sense. The resonator puts some restraints on this idea. I originally cut the tailpipe off some to get ride of the low hanging tip(pics below). While substantially better, I kept thinking about the total removal.





I love that the exhaust is totally invisible now but the initial start up (while in the garage) has me already realizing I may be looking for a pipe to get the resonator back. To be fair, a start up in the garage with no test drive isnt a the best way to base my decision to love it or replace it.

 

Did you have a Pro or aftermarket exhaust on your 3rd gen?

 

I know it's a popular mod but my experience is that resonators don't quiet an exhaust but they do affect the tone and/or resonance. Toyota spent a lot to engineer/test the Tacoma exhaust and then manufacture/procure a resonator. If it wasn't needed they could have saved a lot of money or lowered the price by $200. Some say they can't tell any difference, they like the different sound, or that the clearance benefits offset the change in sound quality.

That would be the advantage of buying the pre-made turn down tip. If you don't like it, you still have your original to swap back.

 

No, it was 100% stock. Nice to see you here in the 4th gen Mark.

 

Good point. I'll drive it for a bit and decide. I see 4th gen tailpipes on FB MP pretty cheap... currently see one for $50. If I decide to go back stock, I'll likely cut it at an angle right after the resonator.

 

OP here. After driving the truck for a few days I can't really tell much of a difference between the original pipe and the dump pipe. I'd say there's a slight difference in tone and being that I prefer a quiet exhaust, I honestly prefer the tone of the pipe with the resonator but not enough to put put another resonator tailpipe back on..... time will tell.