What Is This Part For?

[ExploreABitMore]

What Is This Part For? And Is It Dented?

Only a week after we got the new 4Runner, we were out on a decent desert road with our eyes peeled for a campsite. Unfortunately, this made us miss the only set of deep, uneven whoops around. Heard the underbelly slide a bit across the dirt.

Anyhow, noticed this pipe underneath, which can be seen in the photo below. To help orient where the photo is looking, that's the right front wheel in the background. Sorry quality isn't better.

It's so evenly flat on the bottom and smooth (although pic makes it look a bit twisted), I figured maybe it's normal, but couldn't help but think I dented it a bit. Any idea what it's for? Seems like the lowest-hanging thing in the area too. Does it look normal to you guys?

Maybe it's time to get those Shrockwork Skids I've been eyeing!

 

[Mistaken]

Isn't that part of the exhaust? Looks just like mine. :cheers:

 

[BLACK-FL4RUNNER]

It is the exhaust. It's suppose to be like that. It's the dumbest design, ever.

 

[ExploreABitMore]

Thanks guys, glad to hear it is normal! That was a disgusting noise to hear after only a week out of the dealership. Glad there is no real damage.

I sure don't recall seeing anything like that on my 3rd Gen 4Runner. I don't believe the ground clearance was as high, but the underbelly looked a bit less vulnerable.

Looking forward to getting some skids!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

It is the exhaust. It's suppose to be like that. It's the dumbest design, ever.

It is rather odd because most of the time it doesn't seem like it retains the cross-section volume the same (i.e. it should be about 1.5~2 times wider than the diameter of the tubing if they flatten it that much to retain proper flow), yet it ends up becoming a restriction in the system. It's a very weird design...

 

[Taco04]

It is rather odd because most of the time it doesn't seem like it retains the cross-section volume the same (i.e. it should be about 1.5~2 times wider than the diameter of the tubing if they flatten it that much to retain proper flow), yet it ends up becoming a restriction in the system. It's a very weird design...

The cross section actually has a smaller pipe inside it. Toyota knew this was going to be a problem area so they beefed it up only problem is it is a big restriction in the exhaust system!
Pic shows inside cross section of the Y-pipe with the smaller pipe inside.

 

[TheLast13]

Looks like its time for a Doug Thorley header and mid pipe upgrade.

 

[cbielat]

This really wasn't a troll post?

 

[cutty01]

I am actually more interested in knowing what the piece to the front (or to the left depending how you are looking) of the exhaust pipe. It looks like two pipes are coming out of a black rubber hanger. One pipe is closed off and the other is is flared and open. I see that on mine too but I have never gotten under my car all the way to see what those two pipes and hanger are for. Anyone know?

 

[STX4Runner]

I am actually more interested in knowing what the piece to the front (or to the left depending how you are looking) of the exhaust pipe. It looks like two pipes are coming out of a black rubber hanger. One pipe is closed off and the other is is flared and open. I see that on mine too but I have never gotten under my car all the way to see what those two pipes and hanger are for. Anyone know?

Those are the brackets that are welded to the exhaust pipe and frame.