My daily driver, a white 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V-8 needed a new muffler. I decided to install a stainless steel muffler and tail pipe system. The unit I choose is manufactured by Gibson Performance Exhaust Systems. Gibson claims a horsepower increase of 17 percent over the stock system.
You need room, and the ability to get the Jeep fairly high off the ground. I used two heavy-duty jack stands at the rear only. The front does not have to be raised.
Remove right side rear wheel.
Having the right tools will make this job a lot easier. I used a cut-off air tool to cut through the exhaust pipe behind the muffler.
The same tool is used to cut the clamp at the front of the muffler.
I used an air impact hammer to spread the old cut muffler from the catalytic converter.
With the old exhaust system removed, both units are photographed below. The Gibson stainless steel system comes with a chromed 3" tip. The system is exceptionally well made. The muffler exit and corresponding tail pipe are 1/2 inch larger than stock.
The muffler installs over the catalytic converter pipe.
Rear tail pipe bracket must be removed.
Removal of the tail pipe bracket creates the clearance necessary to join the exhaust tail pipe to the muffler.
Align the muffler and lightly tighten the front clamp. The muffler rear opening should be approximately at the 9 o'clock position. Check clearances at the top of the muffler .
I aligned the clamps to the side so the clamp ends are not visible when viewed from under the vehicle.
Make sure the muffler and tail pipe are aligned correctly before you tighten the clamps. It's almost impossible to rotate the muffler once the clams have made an impression in the corresponding pipes. When sure, tighten both clamps.
Gibson provides a 3" stainless steel chrome tip.
It's installed by tightening the welded on brackets with the bolt and nut provided with the tip.
Align so the tip just clears the rear bumper.
Exhaust system completed. The sound is slightly more muscular than the stock unit, and the Jeep appears to have more grunt through the entire RPM range.
The chrome tip adds just the right touch to the rear of the vehicle
Prior modifications include replacing the driving lights with Hella's. I also added the custom running boards, aluminum wheels and Michelin tires.
