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When I did mufflers, I did some research and saw both points of view and was prepared to remove the bumper if I thought it would make the job easier. Once I got it up in the air and the wheels off, I couldn't see any reason for bumper removal. Not counting getting the car up and wheels off, I don't recall the whole muffler R&R being more that an hour.
I'd just remove the bumper.
It is so easy to do that there really is no reason to not do it.
Sometimes I waste time trying to do stuff the easy way, then realize the "hard" was quicker.
^^^ This^^^ It obviously isn't necessary, but it makes the whole job MUCH easier - albeit a little more time consuming. ** The main caveat being if you've got corrosion on the fasteners that hold the bumper on, you run the risk of breaking them which adds more time and difficulty. Sometimes it's a bitch owning a 15-20 year old car
Anyone use a sealant on the exhaust pipes when putting things back together? Or, anything on the bolts for the muffler brackets to keep them from rusting?
Another benefit of removing the bumper for mufflers install is that you can easily get to the exhaust tips clamps. With the bumper on, it is very difficult to get any tools in between the exhaust pipes to adjust the tips' position.
The rear center heat shield (which can be left on the car) has the shape of the tips' contour. You can use it to center up the tips, tighten the clamps, and the position will come out perfect.
Got it done and didn't remove the bumper. I did lift the car and took off the wheels. As far as P-projects go it was really easy. I took the mufflers to a local shop to get it welded up ( https://themetalmagician.net/ ). Mike was really easy to work with and he did a great job (with really quick turnaround). He TIG welded the bypass pipe and it all looks and works great.
02-27-2019, 09:32 PM
