12-22-2012, 07:03 AM
After Chester's advice I started looking at repairing the muffler. Especially since Newell gets almost $900 for one. Was able to get it out and repaired. I fabricated a couple of patches and welded them on to cover & strengthen the deteriorating area which was by the outlet. It had plenty of metal & welded up good. Muffler is now very solid. Two problems I ran into. Very hard to get the clamp off the vertical pipe. Lots of PB Blaster, patience and small turns. I had to cut through the four hanger bolts as they were seized. The rear muffler hanger had broke on one side--I suspect it was broken & I didn't realize it. I was able to reweld the hanger and strengthen it. I've got a little painting to do while it is out. I'm going out today to get a new clamp and then I'll reinstall which should be no problem. Muffler is in pretty good shape now considering its age. Hope this will allow me another 3-5 years before I replace it.
Steve Bare
1999 Newell 2 slide #531