4wd exhaust routing?
 

I'm installing a 5.3 LS, nv4500, and np241 into a 3/4-ton 4wd. I'd much rather run single exhaust, for simplicity and a more mellow exhaust note. I also want to keep the exhaust tucked as high as possible, so I'm really trying to avoid running a pipe under the transmission.

Are there any reasonable options for routing exhaust above the transmission or transfer case? I see a groove in the floor pan directly above the shift linkage of the transfer case(not installed yet), and wonder if an exhaust pipe would fit in there?

I've also seen folks installing a crossover slightly behind and above the transfer case. Is there any problem with plumbing both sides together that far back, instead of closer to the engine?

I'll be having an exhaust shop do the installation, but I need to know where it's going to run so I can plan access to the fuel filters, etc.

Any pics of a 4wd exhaust setup would be appreciated. Whether single crossover, X-pipe, H-pipe, or true duals.

Re: 4wd exhaust routing?
 

If your wanting a single pipe, I would run the main pipe down the driver side, and crossover the pass side similar to the factory crossover..which would be in the bellhousing area..(I know)
I would keep it away from the floor if at all possible... know a guy that smoked his carpet padding from the ex pipe
are you using a bell crank clutch or a hyd clutch?...my bellcrank linkage caused me considerable headaches when running the exhaust on my 1st swap..my second is getting hyd clutch
But both mine are dual exhaust..so no help there...
a "good" exhaust shop will know the best way to do it for sure...since they'll have eyes on it...

Re: 4wd exhaust routing?
 

I'm using an internal slave on the nv4500. It's a stock 1997 tranny, bell, and slave. I'm intending to use the complete manifold and downpipe assembly, complete with cats, from a 2010-15 Camaro. I can't guarantee it will fit perfectly, but there's a high chance it will. This downpipe assembly will terminate near the back of the transmission. I've got them sitting here, just not test-fitted yet.

You say that your trucks are dual exhaust. Is that true duals, or do you have a crossover of any type installed? If so, where's the crossover located?

At this point, the most logical location for a crossover appears to be directly above the front u-joint of the rear driveshaft.

Re: 4wd exhaust routing?
 

Yes, both of mine are true duals..
the C30 was easy enough to run..(no transfercase)..just. clutch linkage
The IH has a divorced transfercase..the drivers side is wide open...the pass side is gonna be a little tricky..I've got to snake the pipe up and over the transfer drop, or crossover between the trans and transfer and go down the driverside
But on both trucks ,I have headers ..so the collector's are below the frame ..so the pipes have to have a offset up to get them above the bottom of the frame rail..