replacing a muffler on 1994 Dodge Caravan

 

   We started noticing our van sounding louder, and even a slight
rattling sound while it ran.  I took a look at the underneath, and found
a U-bolt at the front of the muffler that had essentially rusted
through.  It was hanging a bit loosely.

   I then noticed some rust spots on the muffler itself.  I pushed
against one, and my finger went through.  Now we can smell the exhaust
when standing next to the vehicle.  Obviously, the muffler needs to be
replaced.

   We have a 1994 Dodge Caravan SE 3 Liter.  I've read that if I took it
someplace like Midas, it would probably cost us $160-$260 to replace.

   I've looked online and found mufflers ranging from $35 to $150.  Most
of them seem to be "performance" mufflers, which I gather are loud, but
give the engine a little more power, and slightly better fuel mileage.

   What I'd like is something close to the original one.  I'm wondering
if anyone here has experience with this sort of thing.

Questions:

1) how difficult is it to replace a muffler?

2) are any special tools needed?

3) is there a good muffler company online that sells only quality
mufflers at a good price?

4) Is it worth doing this project on your own, rather than paying a
place like Midas or Muffler Brothers?

   I've never done this before, but if it is a fairly straightforward
job of less than 2 hours, I might consider doing it.  I just want to
make sure I don't get something that is the wrong size, and I'd really
prefer a quieter muffler - not a "performance" one.

                                               Thanks!

 

Ohioguy wrote:


and my finger went through.  Now we can

needs to be replaced.


seem to be "performance" mufflers,

Its not necessarily that easy to get the old one off the pipe.


Yeah, if it wont come off the pipe.


Midas or Muffler Brothers?

Really depends on how easy it is to get the old one off.


a quieter muffler - not a "performance"

I've always paid more for a stainless steel muffler that lasts much longer.

In fact I only ever changed the muffler once on the Golf I kept for 35+ years.

 

Al wrote

Or they are playing safe and including that in the quote.

If they are honest, they wont charge for that if it isnt required.

 



Try posting your question on the rec.autos.driving.chrysler newsgroup.

 

   I have 2 options now:

1- muffler brothers - probably about $160

2 - my neighbor, who works on brakes, mufflers and such, says he will be
home with his kids this weekend, and they would enjoy working on
something like this.  He has an air chisel, and various other tools that
could be needed, depending on how easy things come apart.  I think my
son would also enjoy working on something like this, so it would be a
learning/fun project for several of us.  I checked locally, and I can
get a muffler for $50-$60.  Then I could give my neighbor $50 for the
trouble, and buy a couple of pizzas for everybody, and STILL end up
saving about 50 bucks.  I'm sort of tempted to go this second route.

   Oh, and yes, we have the '69 Ford Econoline as a backup vehicle, but
also have a 2001 Buick.  Having 1 vehicle out of commission for a week
is not much trouble.