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dirtbike250x
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Took a trip the trails this weekend in PA. Had the chance to test the new rear coils and test my extended bumpstops. Everything worked great, the rear coils being much softer, flexed much easier than the OME coils on there before. Maybe a little bit to much sometimes, body roll when off camber was increased.
IFS flexes pretty well :driving:
Happy New Year All! :hatsoff:
IFS flexes pretty well :driving:
Happy New Year All! :hatsoff:
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dirtbike250x
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Small update as for things done to the truck. First: a page back during the LX coil install there is a picture of my tire carrier/sub box, the orignal design had the tire mounted to the top plate, however it developed a problem not originally thought about. It was difficult to center the wheel over the three mounting holes, and when tighting down the bolts it would pull down on the rubber of the tire (not so secure).
So I made a little something to fix both problems. The three holes not being used for mounting are now used for centering studs and the triangular piece give the wheel something solid to mount too.
So far it works great, if you have any questions all replies are welcome. :driving:
Second: found an inclinometer for a very reasonable price so stuck that on the dash...
So I made a little something to fix both problems. The three holes not being used for mounting are now used for centering studs and the triangular piece give the wheel something solid to mount too.
So far it works great, if you have any questions all replies are welcome. :driving:
Second: found an inclinometer for a very reasonable price so stuck that on the dash...
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dirtbike250x
New member
I have not made any updates in here for quite some time now. Mostly since nothing has changed with the truck. It is either sitting in the driveway or getting me back and forth to my destinations.
However, today a nicely sized box came in the mail, with something I've been meaning to replace for awhile...
I went with the JBA cat back system for the truck. I did a lot of research around looking to figure out what would be the best method to replace what I currently have (which is a literally held together with rust). It seems the popular choice is to just replace the muffler. While that would have fixed my cracked and leaking muffler it would not fix my bad flange joints. On the install I'll be sure to get some shots of what they look like.
The stock system will have to be fully cut out of place since the bolts are pretty shot. I did not find to much evidence on how this system sounds on the truck, other than I think two youtube videos, and a few forum posts, but with sound levels and quality being very subjective it told me nothing. I was not looking for a loud truck but in order to get a stainless system it was narrowed down to the Borla and this one (both adding some level of sound).
So if anyone wants, I can do some sound clips along with a brief review on the function of the system. So far everything seems good quality, not 10/10 quality but enough to make me satisfied for the price tag of half that of the borla. The muffler is a straight through design so I am expecting some level of sound increase,(really hope it's not obnoxious) but we shall see when it is install, but for now a few unboxed pictures...
Any questions about the system I'll be happy to get you an answer.
However, today a nicely sized box came in the mail, with something I've been meaning to replace for awhile...
I went with the JBA cat back system for the truck. I did a lot of research around looking to figure out what would be the best method to replace what I currently have (which is a literally held together with rust). It seems the popular choice is to just replace the muffler. While that would have fixed my cracked and leaking muffler it would not fix my bad flange joints. On the install I'll be sure to get some shots of what they look like.
The stock system will have to be fully cut out of place since the bolts are pretty shot. I did not find to much evidence on how this system sounds on the truck, other than I think two youtube videos, and a few forum posts, but with sound levels and quality being very subjective it told me nothing. I was not looking for a loud truck but in order to get a stainless system it was narrowed down to the Borla and this one (both adding some level of sound).
So if anyone wants, I can do some sound clips along with a brief review on the function of the system. So far everything seems good quality, not 10/10 quality but enough to make me satisfied for the price tag of half that of the borla. The muffler is a straight through design so I am expecting some level of sound increase,(really hope it's not obnoxious) but we shall see when it is install, but for now a few unboxed pictures...
Any questions about the system I'll be happy to get you an answer.
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dirtbike250x
New member
I'll get some sound clips up. If the weather holds out for Saturday it'll go on then.
dirtbike250x
New member
Soo...correction. Any sound clips install pictures probably won't be up this weekend. I had more time today to look over the system and found a pretty minor problem that has bigger impact.
The exhaust hanger after the muffler, uses a clamp around the pipe to with the two hangers welded to it, so essentially its an exhaust clamp and exhaust hanger in one. Well it seems mine must have slipped during their welding process. The hanger interferes with the exhaust clamp to the point where it can not slide over the piping.
I gave JBA a call and they are going to take care of it. It was minimally questioned, other than does it look like a shipment damage (I'm sure to make sure it wasn't UPS fault), and I was pretty certain it was a faulty placement prior to welding.
I'm unsure if I am going to put time in to fix this one, or just wait for the replacement. The plan so far is to install the system with everything but the hanger, and just hold off on driving it until the replacement comes in.
The exhaust hanger after the muffler, uses a clamp around the pipe to with the two hangers welded to it, so essentially its an exhaust clamp and exhaust hanger in one. Well it seems mine must have slipped during their welding process. The hanger interferes with the exhaust clamp to the point where it can not slide over the piping.
I gave JBA a call and they are going to take care of it. It was minimally questioned, other than does it look like a shipment damage (I'm sure to make sure it wasn't UPS fault), and I was pretty certain it was a faulty placement prior to welding.
I'm unsure if I am going to put time in to fix this one, or just wait for the replacement. The plan so far is to install the system with everything but the hanger, and just hold off on driving it until the replacement comes in.
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dirtbike250x
New member
Yeah it was a bummer finding the problem, but I'm glad it was easier than expected to get a replacement. Shipping number says Thursday, so a little bit of a wait.
Thank you very much! The lead time for the bumper is a long one, but is well worth it. Don't get to excited about an early May shipping until its actually shipped. Unless they improved their estimates, they were way off on mine.
The exhaust was installed today (install pictures to come soon) sound is a little louder than I was hoping for, but around what is expected of a muffler of its size. Still...plenty manageable (never obnoxious "look at me" level) as a daily driver. Videos and pictures with a better review will be up soon (after editing and what not). I haven't seen much concrete information on the system, so hopefully I can make up something little more informative.
fightman80
New member
Truck is looking great man! Good job man!
dirtbike250x
New member
Thank you very much! I appreciate the reply.
dirtbike250x
New member
I have a start up video and a wide open run with the new exhaust.
I am going to wait for the new hanger/clamp, so I can get more driving time before I make my review for the system.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1pRmaKgp4NA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/e8PucbARDCw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I am going to wait for the new hanger/clamp, so I can get more driving time before I make my review for the system.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1pRmaKgp4NA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/e8PucbARDCw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
shootmymime
New member
Body lift dude! body lift...
dirtbike250x
New member
No, thanks. I'd like to prevent my CG from being unnecessarily higher.
dirtbike250x
New member
dirtbike250x
New member
So I would like to take this time to write up a little review on the JBA Cat-back system for our trucks. I had a hard time finding some solid information on the quality of the material, and quality of sound coming from the change. If there is any information you all would like more about just post it up.
First I would like to start with what I had, and the reason I changed out the whole system, rather than just welding in a new muffler. Not only did the muffler crack and open up, the flanges were also leaky and pretty much only held together with rust. The stock system was cut out of place, there was nothing left of any bolts to even attempt to unbolt. A angle grinder is the golden tool for this job. The process of cutting out the stock system went more smoothly than expected and it pretty much just fell out of place.
Little tip, if your oxygen sensor bolts are seized into place, unplug the sensor to make it easier to cut the studs while off the truck. The new system has new studs already in the front pipe after the cat, new bolts and gasket, so that portion is good to go
Once the old was out, it was time to start getting the new parts into place.
First thing you'll need to get at Toyota is the exhaust gasket between the front pipe and the cat pipe. (Part and Part# pictured below). The next thing you'll need is a new set of bolts and locking nuts to bolt the JBA pipe to the Cat pipe. Stainless is highly preferred. And finally enough anti-seize for all threads.
I'll go into the actual review of the system in the next post.
First I would like to start with what I had, and the reason I changed out the whole system, rather than just welding in a new muffler. Not only did the muffler crack and open up, the flanges were also leaky and pretty much only held together with rust. The stock system was cut out of place, there was nothing left of any bolts to even attempt to unbolt. A angle grinder is the golden tool for this job. The process of cutting out the stock system went more smoothly than expected and it pretty much just fell out of place.
Little tip, if your oxygen sensor bolts are seized into place, unplug the sensor to make it easier to cut the studs while off the truck. The new system has new studs already in the front pipe after the cat, new bolts and gasket, so that portion is good to go
Once the old was out, it was time to start getting the new parts into place.
First thing you'll need to get at Toyota is the exhaust gasket between the front pipe and the cat pipe. (Part and Part# pictured below). The next thing you'll need is a new set of bolts and locking nuts to bolt the JBA pipe to the Cat pipe. Stainless is highly preferred. And finally enough anti-seize for all threads.
I'll go into the actual review of the system in the next post.
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dirtbike250x
New member
JBA Cat Back Exhaust Review
I am writing in this in hopes to assistant others in their decision to purchase a new exhaust.
When I first opened the box, I went straight for the muffler to see what kind of design they used to muffle the sound. I was not in it to get a loud, look at me exhaust, and the straight through design (pictured in a previous post) made me nervous. In addition to that, the muffler's overall size is much smaller than stock (a roughly 10lb different between the stock system and the JBA).
I then moved onto the looking at the quality of material used. Starting with the front pipe, (in front of the muffler) it came with studs for the O2 sensor in place, however the hole made for the flange was done with very little finish. The inside of the pipe was very sharp and burred, and the metal shavings were still in the pipe. I got a long enough file, smoothed it out and then cleaned the inside of the pipe, to solve that problem. I grabbed a magnet and gave the stainless the magnet test. The piping was magnetic while the muffler and exhaust tip are not, only time will tell if the lower grade stainless will hold up in the weather. With the exhaust tip, I drilled a small hole around the spot where the tip was welded to the pipe to allow water to drain, something I think should have came from the factory.
As stated in earlier posts the muffler hanger/exhaust clamp was improperly welded from the factory to where a new one was required to complete the job. JBA took care of the problem, and although shipping took a full week I was glad it was taken care of.
Once installed it was time to start it up.
I know sound levels and quality are high subjective, so I'll try my best to give a accurate representation. As expected it was indeed louder at idle. However, just a mild gurgle was all that was heard. With a few free revs it just increases the sound from what was heard at idle. On the road the exhaust can be heard inside the truck with the windows up and radio off, at any speed. However, at around 45mph (1800rpm) is where the exhaust has an annoying drone, that can only be reduced by, in my truck, speeding up to 50mph and letting it shift into overdrive (1500rpm). Around town with music playing and windows up, the exhaust sound can be covered up for the most part, except while accelerating. On the highway (60-70mph) with the other noises (wind, tires, other vehicles). The note the exhaust produces is surprising manageable and tame. At no time, short of a WOT acceleration, will the exhaust interrupt a conversation. I feel fine taking the truck on extended highway trips.
So overall, if you are concerned about maintaining a close to stock sound level then this is not for you. If you are looking for a full cat back replacement on the cheap, which will in-turn have a few mild quality control issues, then that is what you get with this system. Am I happy with the purchase? I suppose only more time living with the truck will tell, but for now I feel its manageable. My only current concern related to life of the muffler is with some straight through designs, they pack fiberglass around the chamber to resonate the tone, if that eventually wears and burns away if the truck will get progressively louder. But that is what the exhaust is only clamped into place.
Any more information anyone needs let me know.
I am writing in this in hopes to assistant others in their decision to purchase a new exhaust.
When I first opened the box, I went straight for the muffler to see what kind of design they used to muffle the sound. I was not in it to get a loud, look at me exhaust, and the straight through design (pictured in a previous post) made me nervous. In addition to that, the muffler's overall size is much smaller than stock (a roughly 10lb different between the stock system and the JBA).
I then moved onto the looking at the quality of material used. Starting with the front pipe, (in front of the muffler) it came with studs for the O2 sensor in place, however the hole made for the flange was done with very little finish. The inside of the pipe was very sharp and burred, and the metal shavings were still in the pipe. I got a long enough file, smoothed it out and then cleaned the inside of the pipe, to solve that problem. I grabbed a magnet and gave the stainless the magnet test. The piping was magnetic while the muffler and exhaust tip are not, only time will tell if the lower grade stainless will hold up in the weather. With the exhaust tip, I drilled a small hole around the spot where the tip was welded to the pipe to allow water to drain, something I think should have came from the factory.
As stated in earlier posts the muffler hanger/exhaust clamp was improperly welded from the factory to where a new one was required to complete the job. JBA took care of the problem, and although shipping took a full week I was glad it was taken care of.
Once installed it was time to start it up.
I know sound levels and quality are high subjective, so I'll try my best to give a accurate representation. As expected it was indeed louder at idle. However, just a mild gurgle was all that was heard. With a few free revs it just increases the sound from what was heard at idle. On the road the exhaust can be heard inside the truck with the windows up and radio off, at any speed. However, at around 45mph (1800rpm) is where the exhaust has an annoying drone, that can only be reduced by, in my truck, speeding up to 50mph and letting it shift into overdrive (1500rpm). Around town with music playing and windows up, the exhaust sound can be covered up for the most part, except while accelerating. On the highway (60-70mph) with the other noises (wind, tires, other vehicles). The note the exhaust produces is surprising manageable and tame. At no time, short of a WOT acceleration, will the exhaust interrupt a conversation. I feel fine taking the truck on extended highway trips.
So overall, if you are concerned about maintaining a close to stock sound level then this is not for you. If you are looking for a full cat back replacement on the cheap, which will in-turn have a few mild quality control issues, then that is what you get with this system. Am I happy with the purchase? I suppose only more time living with the truck will tell, but for now I feel its manageable. My only current concern related to life of the muffler is with some straight through designs, they pack fiberglass around the chamber to resonate the tone, if that eventually wears and burns away if the truck will get progressively louder. But that is what the exhaust is only clamped into place.
Any more information anyone needs let me know.
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T4R2014
Elite Member
First of all, thanks for finally giving this system a proper review with sound clips. This should help out a lot of people on deciding on an exhaust. I was actually surprised that the difference in muffler size is so drastic. It looks like a quieter muffler could easily be swapped in place if the JBA's noise starts getting old.
Second, what did you do with that rusty exhaust hanger in that pic? It seems like this is a common piece to go bad on 4Runner's in the rust belt.
dirtbike250x
New member
Thank you very much for the kind words, I hope it does indeed help out future exhaust seekers.
That hanger wraps around the flange for the cat pipe and front pipe. Some time ago it broke in half as you might be able to see a rigged edge to the bottom. I felt as though I could fix it :high5: So I slotted the broken hanger which retained the normal bottom half and finished off the wrap around with a very long hose clamp.
I kept it loose, slide it into place and tighten the bolt to squeeze down on the cat pipe flange. No, it's not as pretty as the a non rusted one that is in one piece, but I feel it provides the support the pipe needs.
