Need a muffler and tail pipe, what to buy...
 

When I got my 4runner a few years ago, the exhaust was shot.

I replaced everything from the cat back (Walker).

Today on my way home, my tail pipe decided to fall off. I had no other signs it was leaking or about to break.

Upon further inspection, the muffler is also starting to rot out around the seams.

I could replace the tail pipe and muffler with Walker brand parts again with the assumption I will only get 2-3 years before it rots out again.

Is there another "cheap" brand that I should try? Or should I just go the Walker route again. If anyone has any links to some good deals, that would be awesome also. Even the "Bosal" brand cat back kit is 230 bucks shipped (not cool).

My truck is getting pretty rusty and in all honesty, I think she may only have a couple years left in her. Otherwise, I wouldn't be opposed to buying a higher quality system.

Thoughts?

I've been trying to figure out what to do also. Mine needs doing. The walker reviews are not great. Thanks for confirming.

I'm leaning toward finding a better tail section at a wreckers and welding a borla 40664 into the muffler section. Seems to be about the best bang for the buck. Good muffler and stock configuration still. Likely get away under 200.

Sadly, the 3rz has a smaller diameter piping so my options are more limited than yours. Not sure if going up to V6 size piping would have any affect on things.

Nothing seems to last like the original OEM systems on these rides...I did a walker and it rusted off 3 to 4 years after installation well the tail pipe fail off first.
So I got a Chinese stainless steel one.

Tail pipe
Stainless Steel Direct Fit Tail pipe Exhaust Fits 1996 - 2002 Toyota 4 Runner | eBay

Muffler

Stainless Steel Exhaust Center Muffler Resonator Pipe fits: 1996-2000 4Runner | eBay



Tailpipe and Muffler Kit

Stainless Steel Exhaust System Kit fits: 1996-2000 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L | eBay


I have the tailpipe only on one of my rides, However, I am going to put the cat back on my 5 speed when I finish the frame repair. The only drawback I seen so far is the flanges are normal steel. So they will rot off in time.

Bosal muffler and tail pipe will last a few years

I’m happy with my Napa Cat back. Alumized steel system. It’s around 6 years old now and around 15,000 miles on it.


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Thanks for the link. I might as well go the SS route since its the same price on ebay as buying a regular exhaust from bosal/walker kit through rock auto.

If you're rusting out after a few years i don't think a 409 grade stainless will do it. While it is indeed "stainless" it has the LEAST amount of additives to allow it to be called "stainless".

I'd suggest, even if it costs a pretty penny, looking at higher grade such as 304 which has more additives to the metal to make it more resistant.

Every search unfortunately didn't turn up a 304 SS exhaust for our vehicle: fortunately I live in Washington and I'm on the original exhaust at just under 370k ☺

BUT: It would be worth it to do it right and do it right once.

That's where my Walker Quiet Flow rotted away, the flange where it bolts to the tailpipe broke off and is now part of the tailpipe assembly. I installed the muffler section 5 years ago but kept the OEM tailpipe since it was still in good shape...in fact I'll be reusing the tailpipe again, haven't decided on a muffler yet but I want it quiet like the Walker.

I just looked up exhausts on Napa and it their current systems are actually Walker Quiet Flows, same part numbers and the warranty sheet says Tenneco (Walker's parent company).

I jsut had to do a quickie fix on my '99 in the middle of a road trip (in Moab) - Walker aluminized muffler and tailpipe, both replaced about 4 years ago. The pipe and muffler were both still in pretty good shape, but they rusted out where the flanges were welded on, and burnt away the aluminizing. The tailpipe itself rusted loose from the flange first, but the muffler flange wasn't far behind. I just hacksawed off the remnants and used a slip-on repair pipe and a couple of clamps to get it back together for the rest of the trip.

I'd be tempted by the 'Stainless Steel' mufflers above, but it sounds like they really aren't any better than normal. Borla makes a spendy looking system that is made of 300 series SS (T-304) so it might actually last longer. But then it costs around 3, 4 times as much. And at 3 - 4 years lifespan for a regular one, you're talking around 10 years it would have to last, at a bare minimum. to make financial sense.

I guess there's the hassle of swapping it occasionally, but it's about as easy as exhaust work gets on a car. Don't even have to jack the car up to work on it (lol). And I do drag the exhaust on things occasionally while wheeling, it would be a shame to 'invest' $600 in a Borla system, only to crumple it up on some rocks right away.

All in all, I think I'm talking myself into another cheap-n-crappy aluminized steel exhaust.

I bought this no-name eBay special muffler a few months back. Fit fine, and has held up so far.
A bit louder than stock, though. (Initially it was REALLY loud and I was gonna return it, but I found that one of my exhaust gaskets was leaking).

Now, I've either gotten used to the noise or it's 'broken in' and quieted down. Sounds fine to me. Still noticeable at cold start up and WOT, but not annoying.

1742062240 New Muffler for 4 Runner Toyota 4Runner 1997-2000 | eBay



Another thought, LKQ (and probably other junkyards) sells mufflers for like $25. Might take some digging to find a non-rusty OEM, but that might be a great deal. OEM obviously lasts a lot longer than aftermarket replacements.


No junkyard *legally* sells catalytic converters by themselves, but they might sell an entire exhaust set altogether and turn a blind eye if you're willing to grab it in one piece. Makes no sense to me.
I can buy a used car with a used catalytic converter already included, but when that one dies, I can't get one from a lower mileage wreck due to environmental reasons.

Need a muffler and tail pipe, what to buy...
 

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I’m pretty sure this is what I have on my 97 that came off the 96 when it got totaled. There really isn’t even any real rust on it yet.

There is a replacement flange to repair a rusted flange on the cat that the muffler section would bolt to. I bought one Incase I ever need it.


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If you were closer, I've got a good stock cat-back exhaust in my backyard with minimal rust. The muffler's a tad bit rusty but the piping is all in great shape. Could just weld in a muffler and be good to go.

That system is the facking bees knees. 2 winters later and it hasn't rusted anywhere but the hangers. Sounds just right too. BUY IT!!

I only had this S.S on tailpipe on for 4 to 5 months.. I know the Walkers will just rot away in 3 to 4 years especially in the northeast winters. I wouldn't waste my time with Walkers exhaust. I can report back in time, but I was hoping a few folks were running these on some rides. Seems like a few people are..:-)

Haven't been so impressed with an aftermarket part like I have with this. The price is insane for what you get. Looks and sounds better than my stupid JBA system that was supposed to be a "high quality aftermarket performance part".