SDS Install Final Stages

It has been a couple weeks since my last update, but I have not been idle when it comes to my JK project. My MBRP Performance Off-Road exhaust came in, so I decided to get that installed as part of the overall performance gain I expect to get from my SDS. The hardest part of removing the stock exhaust was trying to get the mounts out of the rubber retainers. After a lot of lubricant and some significant prying with my large flat-bladed screw drivers, I finally managed to the get the stock system out. It is two pieces, a long connector pipe and the muffler. The muffler is the biggest reason for the swap, it hangs back there like a big garbage can, where any large rock will crush it, as noted in many Jeep forums.

The new exhaust comes in four pieces, a connector pipe, a performance muffler, an extension pipe (from the muffler), and a tail pipe (over axle). It all connects up to the same rubber retainers. The main difference is that the smaller muffler is mounted under the frame in line with the rest of the exhaust.

One thing of note, MBRP highly recommends relocation of the EVAP canisterr due to the proximity of the new muffler (heat) to the unit. It is also a good idea to move it out of harms way as it is easy to catch on rocks and brush. I opted for the Die-Tech relocation kit that mounts over the rear axle (passenger side).

This provides added protection due to location and a steel plate that protects it from stray rocks and debris. The EVAP canister relocation provided plenty of room for the muffler underneath and still cleared the tail pipe over the axle (driver side).