How to Add a Custom Exhaust to Your Jeep Wrangler For Dirt Cheap

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Here’s a DIY tutorial on how upgrade the Jeep Wrangler’s exhaust for under $100.

Adding an aftermarket exhaust system to your Jeep Wrangler adds sound and performance while looking much cleaner than the stock version hanging from behind. Full aftermarket exhaust systems are expensive, but thanks to this great DIY video from the JK Gear and Gadgets YouTube channel, you can make your own performance exhaust system yourself for less than $100.

Most importantly, the project is very simple, requiring a few basic tools and very little mechanical experience.

Wrangler for New Exhaust

Introduction

The video above walks us through the simple process of making your own performance exhaust system for the Jeep Wrangler on a very slim budget. The host explains that aftermarket exhaust systems cost hundreds of dollars, but as he points out, a good muffler upgrade only costs about $70 and even very nice clamps cost less than $25 for two of them. He also points out later in the video that the elaborate lap clamps aren’t needed, so an inexpensive U-clamp works just as well for this project.

Jeep Muffler DIY Items

In addition to the muffler and clamps, this project will require a sawzall or something to cut the stock exhaust, a ratchet and socket set, a hammer, a measuring tape and a flat-head screwdriver.

Wrangler with No Muffler

Beginning the Project

Adding the Magnaflow muffler to this 2010 Jeep Wrangler begins with the removal of the stock muffler, which is as simple as either unbolting the factory clamp or cutting the rear section of the exhaust off. After doing that in the video, the host started up his Jeep for a quick example of what it sounds like with just the stock exhaust minus the muffler.

Jeep Stock Midpipe

Next, you measure the overall length of your new muffler and cut that much piping out of the stock system. The host of the video picked the area directly under the front seats, where there is a nice long, straight stretch that will comfortably hold the new muffler. Once the stock piping is cut, you simply slide the new muffler over the piping and add clamps (or weld it together).

Wrangler New Muffler

At that point, the host of the video was done, but he points out at the end of the video that a proper tailpipe might cut down on exhaust drone, as the Magnaflow muffler is a bit louder than he likes – but we think that it sounds great.

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"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com


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