RockAuto now offers an expanded selection of OE-Style Exhaust System Kits from Walker Exhaust, with more options available from other leading brands, including AP Exhaust (AP / EASTERN) and Dynomax!
Replacing just one component in the complete Exhaust System can be a challenge - either your OE cat-back system was completely welded together at the factory (requiring multiple direct-fit aftermarket components to replace the full factory assembly), or the harsh under-body conditions have rusted your multi-piece system into one solid -- difficult to disassemble -- mass of steel over the years.
No matter the situation, it is typically less time-consuming and more cost-effective to replace all connecting components at the same time, to ensure system compatibility and peak performance. RockAuto makes it easy to order all components necessary to complete your cat-back repair, with a complete Exhaust System Kit! From the Mufflers and Pipes / Resonators, to the Hangers / Insulators, Clamps and other hardware -- Exhaust System Kits include the right parts for your specific exhaust system, to ensure a seamless, problem-free installation.
Find Exhaust System Kits under the Exhaust & Emission category for most popular cars, trucks and SUVs in the RockAuto.com catalog. Choose from features like stainless steel construction, mandrel bent pipes, deep performance tones and more.
Click Info to see vehicle-specific exhaust system diagrams, listen to high performance muffler sounds, see which specific components and quantities are included, etc. Do the job right the first time with a complete, direct-fit Exhaust System Kit from RockAuto.com.
Forum of the Month
GMTruckclub.com is an online community dedicated to all General Motors truck owners and enthusiasts. Join the discussion about performance, lift kits, wheels, tires, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance and more!
If you are the administrator or member of a forum and you would like to see your website featured in an upcoming newsletter and receive a discount code to share with your members, contact marketing@rockauto.com.
Repair Mistakes & Blunders
After owning my first new vehicle (a second generation Ford Explorer) a few years, I decided the time was right for a shock absorber upgrade. The rears were easy-peasy, and I assumed the front end would be the same. I popped the hood to remove the upper shock mount hardware, but soon discovered that access was not going to be easy. Having no power tools meant I had to wrestle both hands deep in the engine bay while shredding my knuckles on various bits of structure just to get the nuts removed. After over an hour of sweating, cursing and blood-letting (the manual just said “remove upper shock nut”), I finally got them loose. I then put the front up on jack stands to tackle the lower mounts, and almost immediately noticed that the extra gap provided above the wheels by raising the front end offered wide-open, unfettered access to the entire upper shock mount. After several minutes of sitting there with a blank stare on my face, I was both relieved and disgusted at myself for making such an obvious error.
I was able to install the new shock and completely replace the other side in under 30 minutes without skinning a single knuckle. Obviously this was way before online videos, but that sure would have come in handy! It was certainly a lesson learned for future mechanical endeavors.
David in Texas
Tell us about your most infamous auto repair blunder or unconventional fix. Use your woe to help others avoid similar mistakes or share off-the-wall solutions that worked (at least for a while!). Please email your story to flamur@rockauto.com. Include your mailing address and if you would like a RockAuto T-Shirt (please let us know your shirt size) or Hat if we publish your story. See the T-Shirts and Hats under Tools & Universal Parts in the RockAuto catalog. The story will be credited using only your first name and your vague geographic location (state, province, country, continent, etc.) so you can remain semi-anonymous!
Automotive Trivia
About how much does the battery in the new electric Hummer pickup weigh?
I hate to bring up one of the topics that has so polarized society, but after helping my teenage daughter replace the spark plugs on the 3.5L V6 in her 2010 Hyundai Sante Fe, I have to talk about the use of anti-seize lubricant on spark plugs' threads.
My own first car, an extremely rusty 1977 Dodge Monaco, biased me towards slathering anti-seize on every spark plug and fastener. I likely put anti-seize on that Dodge's ignition key too. I also have heard over the years about specific engines that are prone to having their original equipment spark plugs seize in place (some of the first engines to have aluminum cylinder heads, unusual plugs used on the Ford 5.4L V8...).
The Sante Fe's owners manual says the spark plugs should be replaced at least every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 10 years. My daughter's car had 98,000 miles on 12 year-old spark plugs. I knew the plugs' iridium electrodes could last 100,000 miles, but I thought the plugs' threads might have melded with the engine's heads after all those miles and a dozen years. I was expecting the worst, especially when we removed the ignition coils and saw the spark plugs were at the bottom of deep wells.
Anti-Seize Slatherering
There was much rejoicing when my daughter easily unscrewed every spark plug and the old plugs still had perfect threads. Now we (meaning me) had to decide whether or not to put anti-seize on the new spark plugs' threads.
I could not find any spark plug manufacturer that recommends anti-seize. The plug manufacturers willing to say anything about anti-seize said it was unnecessary because their plugs' threads are plated with a silver and/or black material (trivalent chromate, nickel alloy, etc.) that resists corrosion and acts as a release agent to ease spark plug removal.
The plug manufacturers warned that lubricating threads with anti-seize made it easier to accidentally over-tighten spark plugs. Lubricant could throw off torque wrench settings by as much as 20%. An over-tightened spark plug could break or stretch, potentially altering heat dissipation which could lead to engine knock. Anti-seize grease is often metallic and electrically conductive which means careless application or accidental smearing during installation could short out a plug's electrodes causing cylinder misfires.
There is a chance that a car/engine manufacturer does recommend anti-seize or some other type of lubricant for specific engines. It is a good idea to check the owners manual and repair manual (found under "Literature" at RockAuto.com) for any spark plug torque and lubrication specs. This also might help reveal if any anti-seize found on the old plugs was applied by the engine manufacturer or was applied by a previous owner.
The Sante Fe's old plugs did not have any anti-seize on them. The plug manufacturer specifically said not to use any anti-seize. The vehicle manufacturer did not call for anti-seize. I told my daughter we should not put on any anti-seize. I still could not stop myself from sneaking a pin-prick sized spot of anti-seize onto each plugs' threads. It was more like a superstitious ritual than real lubrication. The restraint I demonstrated was major progress for a recovering spark plug anti-seize slatherer like me!
Tom Taylor,
RockAuto.com
To read more of Tom's articles, click this link and choose from story titles on the Newsletter Archives page.
Roger's 1948 Ford Super Deluxe
I purchased my 1948 Ford Super Deluxe Convertible in 2017 as a collection of parts with no engine, transmission or interior. I purchased a Ford 5.0L short block, bought an AOD transmission and rebuilt a Ford Explorer 8.8" rearend with 3:50 gears. A Mustang II front end was adapted to provide independent front suspension, rack and pinion steering and disc brakes. Power steering was accomplished by adapting the electronic power steering unit from a 2016 Toyota. For cruising comfort, 6-way power bucket seats from a Buick were used and other custom features were added including power windows, A/C and electronic cruise control. The color chosen was Metallic Black Cherry Pearl with a custom leather interior. The project took over four years and 5,000 man-hours with lots of help from friends. The car named "Patti Ann" after my wife, who was very supportive throughout the long build process, has been on the road since April of 2021. It has proven to be a reliable and very comfortable car for cruising.
Because the car is built with parts from so many different vehicles, RockAuto was instrumental in providing many of the engine, transmission, brake and interior parts needed to pull it all together.
Roger in Arizona (RockAuto customer for over eight years)
Share Your Hard Work
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Automotive Trivia Answer
About how much does the battery in the new electric Hummer pickup weigh?
