Finally got an exhaust put on.

[owtcast]

Yeah, I finally changed my truck from stock. Me and a buddy ordered a 4" budget exhaust each from Gus at Farmboy's and they came in Friday. I started on mine yesterday with pulling the OEM tubes off. I have 80K on my truck so things had time to "meld" together . The downpipe clamp was really stubborn and ended up gualling a thread. I'm guessing from it being heated and cooled so many times. I salvaged it though with a die. No way to get a new one so late Saturday afternoon. Also, I will never do another 6.0 without a lift. It's a biotch getting that DP off with all the insulation on it. I ended up slicing it all the way up and ripping it out. To say I was covered in fiberglass is an under statement. That stuff is still stuck in every joint and fat roll on my body. Once out, I couldn't believe how bottled up it is where they crimp the pipe down. Jesus!! I don't know how it ran as good as it did!! The new stuff went on fairly uneventful thank God. (and Gus) The only thing I ran into was clearance on the pipe going over the rear axle. My truck has 5th/gooseneck hitch rails that are big under the bed and it's really close under there. But, firing it up made it all worth the labor. Sounds nice,,,, really nice. It's an 03 so you guys know it has some spool whistle. Got a nice deep tone when the vanes open up too. I went with the muffler option but no cat. I couldn't do the straight pipe thing simply because I drive bad enough to get more unwanted attention than I need. The sound would just increase my odds of getting tickets. Next weekend I will be helping Glen (my bud) put his on his 7.3. I hope his is easier.

PS. Livewire, here I come.:burnout

[Big AL]

Good for you. I know you're glad to have it installed. You'll still enjoy it long after the fiberglass quits itching. LOL

[Blue01F250]

The 7.3 will definately be easier -- basically cause you've already done it once...hehehe -- but because the DP has more room

Glad ya got it on and are enjoying the sound! Give em hell bud

[Evil Eye]

That's awesome, Terry! Yeah, the DP is the biggest PITA, but it's a bit easier if you have someone to help. Congrats on the install!

[farmboysdiesel]

Sounds like you had a lil fun. Another FBD Budget kit proves itself. You need anything else just pick up the phone and give me a ring.

[720Deere]

I had the same turbo clamp problem with mine! I had to modify a bolt that I salvaged from a 7.3 to get me through until I could get a new one.

[owtcast]

I think I may locate one of those clamps before I start on my buddies. If it proves to be as stubborn, I will just cut the bolt off and replace it to avoid the hassle. I learned a few things though. If you have a cutting rig or plasma cutter, you could make short work of this project. If all you have is a saws-all, then go slow because the OEM DP is made out of thicker wall tubing than the rest of the system. And it's hard too! I burned up a few blades by trying to go too fast. I guess it's thicker because they crimp the hell out of it. It's definately 10 times harder to cut than the rear tube that has to be cut.

[owtcast]

Sounds like you had a lil fun. Another FBD Budget kit proves itself. You need anything else just pick up the phone and give me a ring.

Will do Gus. I'm very pleased with it. Thanks.

Sorry for the double post Marc.