SoK66
September 20th, 2006, 07:15 PM
I needed to replace the existing stock muffler & tailpipe on my '94 YJ. I have M.O.R.E.'s rear shock extensions, and, combined with a new Teraflex "Belly Up" skid, I was getting contact between the rear edge of the muffler and the right rear shock at full droop. Too bad, because even after 13 years and 70k miles, numerous rock hits, water dunks, mud & general abuse, the stock exhaust was doing just fine.
Since stock would not do, too long, after a lengthy review of everything that was out there in the aftermarket, I settled on Banks "Monster" cat-back kit, even though it was over $100 more than the common Dynomax setup. Major attributes, it's stainless and would have longevity, plus, in general, Bank's stuff makes much less racket than most of the other aftermarket turbo-junk that's on the Jeep aftermarket. (I'm not a fan of loud mufflers on trail rigs, we have enough enemies.) Anyway, the kit was ordered and I eagerly awaited its arrival, which occured on Monday.
I ripped open the box to find what appeared to be a high-quality tailpipe & muffler. But, when assembled on the bench, it became obvious the thing was way too long. Plus, they had the index on the muffler / cat joint at 20 degrees, rather than at 180. A few measurements later I discerned the assembly was nearly 3 inches too long and would never fit without cutting. They'd welded a 4 inch long 2 1/2" to 2 1.4" reducer on the inlet end of the muffler. It was so long the tailpipe would never fit, plus I'd have even worse muffler/shock interference than I had already.
A call to Banks tech support yesterday AM was a total waste of time, would have been better had I just called a cop. The guy on the line was clueless, but acknowledged they knew about the index being off. (I started to ask why they hadn't corrected it, but why bother?) He finally OK'd me cutting the muffler's inlet & outlets down, as well as the tailpipe inlet to make the damn thing fit.
Hours of careful measuring & cutting later it was on there, at least looking like someone who knew what the hell they were doing had put it on. Adding insult to injury, once everything was lined up and ready to cinch down, I discovered they'd supplied the wrong clamps. A quick run to the parts store and we were in business. Banks says they'll send me the correct clamps....we'll see.
Well, at least it sounds nice & mellow and my shock clearance issue is solved. However, I didn't plan on paying premium cash to then spend most of a day as Banks senior engineer. If this is indicative, stay away from Bank's Jeep products unless you want a world of aggravation. Just what I get for thinking I'd get what I paid for!
Since stock would not do, too long, after a lengthy review of everything that was out there in the aftermarket, I settled on Banks "Monster" cat-back kit, even though it was over $100 more than the common Dynomax setup. Major attributes, it's stainless and would have longevity, plus, in general, Bank's stuff makes much less racket than most of the other aftermarket turbo-junk that's on the Jeep aftermarket. (I'm not a fan of loud mufflers on trail rigs, we have enough enemies.) Anyway, the kit was ordered and I eagerly awaited its arrival, which occured on Monday.
I ripped open the box to find what appeared to be a high-quality tailpipe & muffler. But, when assembled on the bench, it became obvious the thing was way too long. Plus, they had the index on the muffler / cat joint at 20 degrees, rather than at 180. A few measurements later I discerned the assembly was nearly 3 inches too long and would never fit without cutting. They'd welded a 4 inch long 2 1/2" to 2 1.4" reducer on the inlet end of the muffler. It was so long the tailpipe would never fit, plus I'd have even worse muffler/shock interference than I had already.
A call to Banks tech support yesterday AM was a total waste of time, would have been better had I just called a cop. The guy on the line was clueless, but acknowledged they knew about the index being off. (I started to ask why they hadn't corrected it, but why bother?) He finally OK'd me cutting the muffler's inlet & outlets down, as well as the tailpipe inlet to make the damn thing fit.
Hours of careful measuring & cutting later it was on there, at least looking like someone who knew what the hell they were doing had put it on. Adding insult to injury, once everything was lined up and ready to cinch down, I discovered they'd supplied the wrong clamps. A quick run to the parts store and we were in business. Banks says they'll send me the correct clamps....we'll see.
Well, at least it sounds nice & mellow and my shock clearance issue is solved. However, I didn't plan on paying premium cash to then spend most of a day as Banks senior engineer. If this is indicative, stay away from Bank's Jeep products unless you want a world of aggravation. Just what I get for thinking I'd get what I paid for!