First step to reduce the low hanging belly for the fat pig is to lift the entire exhaust system.
Problems with the v6 4th gen exhaust.
#1. The crossover pipe that looks crushed going behind the trans cross member is one of the lowest points that gets caught on every belly dragging rock.Not to mention its extremely restrictive.
#2.The huge stock muffler hangs bellow the frame a lot and acts as an anchor when going over rocks.In my case a little throttle ripped it off ...twice.
#3. The tailpipe section always get crushed shut when going up or down a steep rock face.The fumes also vent back in the cab when the rear window is down.
Solutions : #1.run the y pipe behind the transfer case. #2 install a slim muffler that can be tucked up over the lowest point of the frame . #3 The tail pipe section should dump to the side in an area where it is not vulnerable to damage.
Some of the parts used.I wanted to make a connections on the exhaust V band but failed to order the proper amount (will update). I used 2.25 mandrel bent pipe to maintain the overall stock diameter but with smoother bend and less restrictive junctions.
Just to show you. This is the crossover pipe cut in half. It it a double wall pipe with an internal 1" pipe.
Bad picture and messy garage I know.. this is the overall layout of the Y pipe. As you can see a smoother and higher flowing system.
Muffler and tailpipe section.The long muffler and resonator keep this system very low key. Excuse the welding , was running .035 wire with no gas left ..
Installed. After a little while , salt already taking its effect..
Tail pipe running over the frame and dumping down.
Overall the exhaust is great and mellow. The clearance is 100% better now . Next step on the belly tuck project will probably be making a new transmission crossmember.
