Help with Exhaust Routing!

[timzrides]

With the search engine down, i need some help with my exhaust plan. I have my frame C-Notched with trailing arms and bags. I'm trying to decide weather to cut 4 inch openings on the center crossmember or run below the center. What are the pros and cons of either. I'll basically have the typical front and rear bagged. thanks

[see ten]

Cut some holes in it bro! As long as you're not running long tube headers, you'll be able to have all your exhaust up higher then the bottom of the frame that way.

[Twisted78SS]

I agree, and If I had not bought the ECE drop Cross member I would be doing the same thing. After airing mine out, the exhaust would surely hit the ground before anything else. By going through the cross member, the lowest point is the bottom of my fuel tank and the big ass front cross member.

[PipsC10]

I agree, cut holes or contact ECE for a drop crossmember. They also have a nice transmission crossmember that allows you to run the exhaust above it and between the frame.

[fastom]

I have both the trailing arm crossmember and the trans crossmember from Early Classic. They both work well and get the exhaust up and out of the way.

[shortbed70]

Cut the holes! I plan on cutting holes in crossmember and welding in 1/4" 4.5" inserts to strengthen the crossmember again then doing another cutout in the side of the frame right behind the front bed mnt to route exhaust out side the frameto the front of the tire. Heres an old pic

[chevydog66]

Cut holes in it so that you can route your exhaust thru it. That's what I plan on doing too. Too bad I just put a new 2 1/2" Magnaflow stainless system on it last year.

[kevncar]

Through the traling arm crossmember is definately the way to go.

Can you get the exhaust over the stock tranny crossmember though?? That is what I was hoping to do.

[shortbed70]

Mine is but its REAL close and if I hit a big enough bump it will clang so I plan on notching it too and making a bridge so exhaust will run below two parts of the trans x member. I don't have the top ears on the trans crossmember that bolt to the top of the frame.

[kevncar]

Got any pics? I don't have all my stuff in yet, and the cab and bed and all is off of it, but other than where to put the mufflers, it looks like there is plenty of room. What size exhaust do you have on it? I was going to try and squeeze 3" in there, and try and get it over the rear axle all the way to the rear bumper. I want to run a tank between the rails and all that back there had me more worried than the tranny or trailing arm crossmembers.

[kevncar]

I was hoping to run more between the top ears of the tranny crossmember and the tranny itself...

[shortbed70]

You should be able too I did my exhaust my self so straight was the key and with some bending you'll be fine,I have like 6" or so from tailshaft to pipe on both sides.

[QKENUF4U]

cut the holes and it tucks up all above the frame....... wouldnt do it any other way if i do it again....... or get the ECE crossmember they mention.......