A lot of off-road cruising enthusiasts enjoy customizing their trucks in many different ways. Whether that’s cosmetic improvements or performance enhancement, these can range from paint jobs and replacing accessories, such as headlights and custom grilles, to alterations made on the Exhaust system to unleash more horsepower which is trapped under the stock exhaust.

The reason why I say trapped under the stock exhaust, is because stock exhausts are not always made with performance in mind, since not every driver seeks performance, but affordability. Aftermarket 4×4 Exhaust Systems provide owners with differences in performance, sound and fuel efficiency. Changes made to the exhaust can include pipe shape, adding specially designed parts for a visual improvement and the location of the catalytic converter.

Materials and Compatibility

The ideal 4×4 exhaust system for off-road riding is made of aluminium. Why? Because it’s inexpensive, yet very durable and performs amazingly well in dry and dusty conditions. I’m not saying stainless steel is bad by any means, it’s just that it’s more expensive, yet it doesn’t give any extra advantages in dry climates.

Whichever material you end up choosing, make sure that all the parts are made from it, as the exhaust system is as durable and efficient as its weakest link. This is where buying it as a whole also has its benefits. You don’t want to change a few parts just so you end up having to replace others a year later. The assembly and reassembly can be costly and time consuming, so it’s best that you buy the exhaust system as a whole, which will also ensure compatibility.

Styles

There are two basic styles of exhaust systems on the market – single side exit and dual-rear exit. Single side exhausts are similar to the stock exhaust systems which utilize single exit pipes. However, the aftermarket single side exhausts usually have more than one tip and are typically found on sports cars or modified trucks. Sometimes, the muffler is removed entirely, making the vehicle non-street legal and usable only for racing purposes. Dual-rear exit exhausts have two pipes that run from the manifold and each pipe has its own muffler. This type of exhausts are typically found on larger trucks or high-end sports cars.

Conclusion

An aftermarket 4×4 exhaust will definitely give you an advantage when you try to conquer steep hills and narrow rivers, providing you the much needed horsepower. Moreover, it can make your vehicle look better and sound better, if you’re in it for the visual and sound improvements. Regardless of your goals, shop smart and buy it as a package if possible, since compatibility matters a lot.

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