Installed TRD Exhaust Today...

and can gladly say I will never ever never do that again! holy F! I guess maybe because my truck is 4 years old, and our winters suck (salt), but there was nothing fuckin easy about it! however, I will say that my free fluidfilm sample took care of the loosening job and made things 100% better once I started using it. the two bolts that come off at the y-pipe were partially seized and a bitch to get off. then, when I got the new exhaust in place, the two holes didn't line up very well causing the bolts to want to go in crooked. I had to literally hang on the exhaust to be able to move the holes so they would line up for me to get the bolt started. granted, I did all of this with a POS socket and my hands. anyways, the exhaust is now on the truck lol and I do like the sound! sounds different than you can hear in youtube videos, I like it! anyone else feel like they appreciate their trucks more when they do all their own work?

end of rant!

 

I did one a while back on my old truck and a can of PB Blaster was my best friend! Glad you like it

Oh, and...

 

haha yea, it sucked. its pouring out now, but I will grab some pics asap!

 

Without a doubt!

 

Absolutely! Good job sticking it out and getting it done. The rubber hangars where the most difficult part for me when I installed my TRD exhaust a few months ago. I used vice grips to make it much easier: I put one jaw on the back of the rubber hangar and the other jaw on the tip of the hangar itself and squeezed. This made things much easier removing the old and installing the new.

 

Haha thanks man! Yea my rubber hangers were pretty soft, the only one I had a problem with was the one furthest in the back, the hanger had rusted in the rubber sleeve. Enough fluid film and elbow grease and she came right out. Getting the new exhaust inside the rubber hangers was a breeze, I just lined them up and have a little push and they popped on. The biggest pain in the balls at the end was trying to get those bolts back into the y pipe mount, I hosed the threads out with fluid film again and it went much easier. I also picked up a new gasket while the wife's corolla was getting its oil changed at the dealer and I'm pretty thankful I did because the old one was so corroded and seized to the y pipe flange that I had to pry it off in pieces with a screwdriver

 

I installed the TRD exhaust on my truck when it was a couple of months old. Didn't have to deal with the dirt and they don't salt the roads where I live, but the job was still a bitch. I got it done and it sounds great. Much better than stock. You do get the satisfaction from doing the job yourself, plus the money you save. Hope you enjoy your new exhaust.

 

I learned after my last car I'd rather say, "I built it" than "I bought it". Unfortunately, with starting a new business, I was pretty much limited in what I was willing to spend beyond what came out of the showroom. Then the dealer ordered the wrong package, and it had a few of the extras I was going to eventually install for the right price, so I took it. But I've said a few times, "As much as I absolutely love love love my truck, I kind of wish there was more I could do to it." Same thing with my Specialized Stumpjumper...love it to death, but it's bitter sweet...nothing to upgrade!"

I remember putting the duals on my Mustang, lying on my back in driveway, having to turn my head sideways to get under the driveshaft. Then trying to finangle the pipe using one hand to hold one side, a knee on each side with my feet in the air, all while trying to bolt up the other side.

 

must be nice not to have salt! haha

 

You definitely get a sense of accomplishment from doing the work yourself. Also, assuming you're mechanically inclined, you don't have to worry about having someone else screwing it up. Having said that I honestly would have to say, not really.

The TRD exhaust is pretty sweet though, I had one installed when the truck was new. Gives the truck a little extra power and a nice exhaust note when you hit the gas. Plus it's stainless steel, after 7+ years mine has only a few small spots of rust on it. A good purchase and nice mod.

 

the #1 thing i wish i could do myself is mount/balance my own tires. i fucking HATE going to tire shops, every one i know is half assed, leaves paper from the tape weights on the inside of my wheels, and just could give two fucks. if i could do all that myself, i would be happy. sucks those machines are big money.

 

I have had my TRD exhaust since May and I digs it everytime I step on the gas. I had the dealer install it since it cost me $0.00 (stepdad works @ Toyota dealer), but I did install my own lift and that makes me appreciate it more. Not looking forward to dealing with installing my winch though

 

haha, plus it looks like youre saving money from having a shop do it. when it comes to the old lady..