i have boiled down my exhaust choice to the following:

aFe 49-46232 MACH Force XP 3" Hi-Tuck "RB" Cat-Back Exhaust System for Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
-or-
Dynomax 39516 Ultra Flo Stainless Steel Welded Cat-Back System

price aside, can anyone who has either chime in? or can you recommend something different? i want something slightly louder than stock but not obnoxious, minimal drone, but rock friendly (axle dump or something like this). i understand this is purely an aesthetic change (and to avoid crushing the ugly stock one) and i do not expect more HP or MPGs.

 

I run the aFe and the sound fits your description: a bit more throaty than stock, but nothing that will wake the neighbors. As aFe says in their description the sound is definitely "mellow." And rock-wise, the big deal is getting rid of the low-hanging OEM rear muffler, which it does.

 

I had the MBRP, but found it too loud.

Switched to the Dominion Off Road exhaust, and couldn't be happier

 

This is what I tell people all the time, keep your stock system and try us first. If you aren't happy return it for a refund.
On a scale of 1-10 it is a 4-5 IMO.

Also on rebate right now.
DynoMax® Performance Exhaust Spring Promotion

90-Day Risk-Free Trial Offer
Try qualifying DynoMax® products* for 90 days. We guarantee you'll experience the DynoMax® performance difference! If, for any reason, the qualifying products* don't live up to your expectations within the first 90 days, replace the products and we will refund your original product's purchase price (which shall not exceed the manufacturer’s suggested retail price), plus labor (up to $50 per exhaust system). We're that confident you will be satisfied with DynoMax® performance products! For questions about this offer, please contact our customer service department at 734-384-7898.

*Offer limited to the purchase of DynoMax® Stainless Steel Cat-Back Systems and Ultra Flo™ SS Polished, Ultra Flo™ Welded, DynoMax® VT™ or Super Turbo™ performance muffler. This offer does not include products which have been modified, improperly applied or installed on vehicles used for commercial or racing purposes. Valid only on vehicles used for private, non-commercial use and may be withdrawn at any time.

 

anyone with dynomax comment? the dynomax is cheaper and with the rebate its hard to decide. i appreciate the return policy but i don't want to have to do this twice

 

I agree about not doing it twice... but sure is a nice insurance policy that I can only think one other company offers.

 

I have the Dominion Off-road/JeepSWAG. It has a nice, mellow note. Better than most of the usual choices, which Brett (owner) found too loud. You do have to relocate the evaporative canister on the 3.8s, making it a pretty expensive option. Friend of mine spoke with Brett a couple days ago and Brett says he hopes to release a 3.6 version in next month.

 

I had local shop install a Flowmaster Hushpower after my Resonator.

It has just a slight growl is how I describe it... not obnoxious at all.

It's tucked nice and high. Dumps at the axle.

At the same time, I had them fix my crossover to give me more clearance and raise it up so it didn't hit my skid plate.

Total cost $350

I specifically wanted to keep the resonator to avoid any drone or too loud an exhaust.

 

I installed the dynomax competition evolution exhaust about a week ago. It is the one that dumps before the axle. I love that thing. It has a nice growl and isn't too loud. It freed up all of the space in the back and tucks nicely next to the frame rail. Great price too! I think I paid about $130 after the awesome rebate.

 

I also run the Dominion/Jeepswag exhaust. Louder than stock but not annoying and no drone. It also got rid of my huge ugly stock muffler and tucks up out of harms way nicely. Brett is great to deal with.