4" Downpipe and Exhaust

[Idually]

Hey Guys! I hope everyone is doing well. I need a bit of help from those of you that have a 4" exhaust system, or anyone that has experience with exhaust systems.

My '93 4x4 has a 4" system from the downpipe back. With the 4x4's the exhaust is routed through the Trans/Transfer Case carriage and mine "RATTLES" like the dickens. It is driving me nuts... So... First off... who does a "correct" 4" S. S. downpipe? By correct, I mean a proven pipe. What are you using? Second... Can anyone send/post pics of the hanger arrangement of their system? I cannot "tweak" my exhaust to eliminate the "rattles"... no matter how hard I try. I'm thinking about starting over and doing it "right". The pipes are in great condition, so I have plenty of "material". Where can I get GOOD hangers, coupling and such, and is there a better way to route the pipe? I'm thinking about stacks, but haven't decided... .



Any ideas?



Thanks

Andrew

 

[CDegner]

First off, make certain that it is the down pipe rattling and not your flexplate!! They are both located right there and with the motor running, it can be difficult to identify the source of the sound. It's quick and easy to pull the inspection plate just to be certain.



Carl

 

[Greenleaf]

What do you look for when performing the flex plate inspection? I have checked mine many times and can't see much coupled with the fact I don't really know what the heck I'm looking for/at.



I have read that if pieces fall out of the inspection hole... ... . it's time to call Houston and report a problem



I have made the four inch down pipes along with the entire exhaust system. I pick up the parts from the local heavy truck dealer and make what I need to. They have all sorts of pipe, elbows, universal hangers and clamps etc. etc. You need a welder, torch etc. etc. I have supplied the adapter to the turbo's exhaust flange... the first part you'll need to construct your DP. Cost's about $70 to make the DP.



Scott

 

[paccool]

When my flex plate failed, you couldn't see up to the center to find the crack. No pieces fell out when the cover was removed. The center section was broken completly out but the truck would still move. I drove the truck home from Sacramento which is about 120 miles. Made a hell of a racket all the way home and was MUCH louder when I got home. Big Bad Dodge followed me home in his pulling truck and he could hear the flex plate inside his truck with the windows rolled up.



You should be able to jam something along side the exhaust pipe to stop any rattles coming from there. That should let you isolate a little better where the noise is coming from.

 

[Greenleaf]

So to ispect the flex plate you'd have to unbolt it from the converter, slide converter back and check out the bolt holes in the center hub?



-S

 

[ARedetzke]

Found a neat little site that outlines what you need to custom fab your own 4 inch. I just checked prices and $165 is just about right on the money. I've got the parts coming in tomorrow, and it's going in with the exhaust brake this weekend. Getting the truck ready for towing the jeeps out for vacation next weekend!!!

Here is the site

http://bnmliving.home.att.net/

AJ

 

[dodgenstein]

When the flexplate fails, the inspection cover is generally covered with fine metal shavings from the plate pieces rubbing against one another. I have had two failures, the first shattered into several pieces, and the second one just broke around the center holes. Both times the inspection cover looked like it was covered with metalflake grease. After the 1st flexplate failed I found out about using a 2nd gen plate, and so far no problemo.

 

[JMariotti]

MIne had a wicked rattle and vibration that drove me nuts. I took it to 2 different muffler shops and they made it a little better but it was still there. I finally found it..... there is a mount where the exhaust has a clamp and a mount that mounts to the bellhousing of the getrag. Mine had a bad bushing. Couldn't find a bushing anywhere but a short piece of 5/8" heater hose fit over the spacer nicely and I used a big steel fender washer with a rubber washer under it on both sides. No more rattle . :0)

 

[sparks57]

Get ahold of Rip Rook:



http://www.protintnw.com/sa_dodge-exh.htm



He sold me all the parts for my dual exhaust with 4" downpipe and it fit perfect. He has VERY fair prices too. He's all the rage with us guys in the NW.

 

[dpuckett]

I, too, am missing my bushing. Dodge dont carry it anymore. The 5/8" heater hose sounds like a good idea. But I dont think I could pick out an exhaust rattle, with all the noise my bed makes.



-DP

 

[Idually]

Thanks, Everyone.

I figured out a temporary fix, with a couple of new hangers. Well see. I want to change the downpipe to 4" in the near future, so I'm starting to investigate parts, etc...



I'm also toying with the idea of stacks, but I'm not sure about COlorado Emissions. I will find out next week when I get my yearly emissions done.



Thanks again for the links and ideas.



Andrew

 

[sui114]

me and a friend of mine bulit a exaust for his 4x4. we went to a local hot rod shop a picked up some four and five inch pipe. He liked the way i did my exaust so at least we had a place to start. the first think i did is measure and cut the pipe for the down pipe. right after the down pipe went strait i fitted the five inch pipe to make a sleeve and slipped the five over the four inch pipe. from then on we just ran strait pipe then used a 5 inch 90 degree pipe to bring the exaust out in front of the rear tire. i used pices angle iron and scrap pipe for the brackets. bolted up nice and he is very happy. I told him he better be because most of the time he was on the phone talking to his girlfriend. its all good because the next weekend he installed my new amp and speakers. his truck sounded so good his brother wanted me to build him a exaust for his 01'. i told him i would do it ... ... for a small price. next for me is another stack for the driver side of my truck. and train horns... . sike!