Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Stainless or Aluminized Exhaust

[jeepit]

Looking for imput on stainless or aluminized in regions of country that use salt heavily. Just wondering how aluminized versions are holding up.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

I have been running a 4" aluminized straight system (no Muffler) in Mass for the past two and half years. No rust at all... NONE. Heavy salt usage. Take a look at the stainless systems that are running around here... they all show rust.

 

[Tcolesanti]

Aluminized is the way to go, initial cost and longevity.

 

[y-knot]

The logical answer to your question is pretty easy, Stainless Steel. It just doesn't make sense to buy any type of exhaust system unless it is made of SS. obviously it you are only leasing (renting)a truck, or do not plan of keeping it very long, then perhaps the cheaper exhaust system might be a better fit. But I usually get the feeling that most guy's and gals on this site plan on keeping there Dodge trucks around. Stainless is a NO-BRAINIER, it last forever, is usually made of thicker materials, which really help curb the drone and exhaust vibrations. It's a one time expense, and trust me, if you keep your truck any time at all it will pay for itself many times over. I live in the hart of the salt belt, and only buy SS for every vehicle. My HOG system has been on for almost three years now, and it still looks like a mirror. Another big advantage to the SS systems, is if and when you need to do work on your truck that involves removing one or more pieces of the exhaust system. Things like dropping the transmission, turbo work, or just swapping out a muffler. I have had to break into my SS exhaust system twice, and both times it came apart with ease, and went back together just as easy. Try that with your Aluminized stuff, you would destroy the thing with the hammer trying to get it apart. I figure it really comes down to money with most folks, if they have the funds they go SS, if not they buy the other stuff.

 

[Flyfishing]

Stainless Steel is self protecting by forming a Chromium rich coating on the surface of the stainless steel part in an oxidizing environment (air). If the stainless part gets scratched a new chromium rich coating is formed over the scratch. Have you ever noticed how "stainless steel" stains or rusts around fittings?

Low grade stainless steels do poorly in a chloride (salt) environment. I would expect that most stainless steel exhaust systems are made from 304 or stainless and are really not the best choice in Hi salt areas. If I were to consider a SS system I would look for one manufactured from at least a 316 alloy. 316 has a much higher chromium content.



Regards, Richard

 

[KKlingbeil]

So when a company says they have 3XX stainless or 4XX or whatever, the higher the three digit number the better?? Just trying to get this straight as i am also wondering to get stainless or aluminized. Thanks

 

[MACHINEST]

400 series stainless steel is magnetic and it will rust ,stick with 304 SS or 316 SS

 

[darkhorse]

The 304 type, like what Banks uses, will surface scale but won't rust through. It's not as pretty as the shiny 409, like Hog uses, but is less expensive & less prone to fatigue cracking. There's plenty to :-{} about but isn't it great we have all these options?

 

[PC12Driver]

Still no rust on the outside of my aluminized system after four northwest Indiana winters. And since diesels coat the inside with a nice oily layer and don't generate water like a gasser with a cat, I don't have to worry about it rusting from the inside out.

Never had any reason to take it apart though. And I have had my transmission out and my turbo off.

 

[Mark Craig]

darkhorse,



Banks uses T-409 stainless not T-304. In fact they preach bad about 304 while it is actually the best material to use. It has a higher content of chromium and nickel which makes it non magnetic and pretty much impervious to anything you'll see on the highway. We have aluminized, 409 and 304. Our most popluar is 409, cost effective, lasts and does the job, but it is magnetic. While it might get gray/brown and spots form on it, it will be around lost longer than aluminized. Now if you live in the salty North, and want a pretty exhaust that will stay nearly the same way it looked when it came out of the box get 304! Costs more but then so does a diesel over a gasser, give us a call if you have any questions etc.



Mark @ DPPI

 

[darkhorse]

oops, I guess my lexdisic brain got the numbers confused. Thanks for the correction, Craig.

 

[monkeyman]

I First had the coated aluminum system, with 4" then went to same with dual 4"

With all that diesel fuel going through stainless is a waste of money.

 

[Warpig]

oops, I guess my lexdisic brain got the numbers confused. Thanks for the correction, Craig.

Correction #2 ... HOGG uses 304 stainless



Tim W.

 

[hammersley]

I picked up a SS Magnaflow

http://www.a-1performance.com/magnaflow/Systems/dodge_cummings.cfm



My MagnaFlow Performance Stainless Steel Exhaust System - has a lifetime warranty - and I intend to keep my truck a Lifetime - mine that is... ...

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Here is a system in 304 as sold by Summit racing, pretty good price too.



Summit

 

[darkhorse]

Correction #2 ... HOGG uses 304 stainless



Tim W.

Yes. I reversed the numbers in my original comment. 304 is the shiny high nickle stuff. 409 is the dull but more malleable alloy. Craig caught my error.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Doesn't look like my link brings you to the right spot. Just go there and do a search on "dodge cummins exhaust" and look for the Summit Stainless systems