New muffler woes, 500$ for a stock muffler?!?!

geoffgarcia · 07-26-2006, 11:23 AM

Hey all! I brought my '95 Wrangler 4L to a local chain mechanic because I have a hole in my muffler. They told me that the replacement muffler from Chrysler costs500$ + about 100-150$ for install.

In the meantime I've been looking over parts on quadratec and see that the most expensive one they even sell is only like 200$.

So what gives? Is the mechanic trying to jip me?

Regardless, should I bother with a stock muffler or should I go with a Dynomax UltraFlow (93$ w/ 2 clips)

pezley69 · 07-26-2006, 11:29 AM

Well, who knows what a "jeep" muffler really costs but it does seem pretty crazy....I would do an aftemarket. No reason what so ever to use the $500 one.

blue1989yj · 07-26-2006, 11:46 AM

Go with aftermarket. I just did my whole exhaust from Quadratech for $275 shipped. It got here in 2 days.

libertyRubicon · 07-26-2006, 11:50 AM

yeah i got mine from Q-tech it was 350 for entire cat back system

BC Jeep · 07-26-2006, 12:51 PM

YOUR MECHANIC NEED HIS HEAD EXAMINED AND HIS *** KICKED!!!

That is OUTRAGEOUS for a stinken muffler. You can go down to the local auto parts store and get a muffler from dynomax and clamps for $60 I got the best stainless steel one they had in a high flow muffler for my Volvo and it was like $80. Here in CT the labor rate is $77/hr. If that shop cant install a muffler in an hour, you need to find a new mechanic. Hell,,,,if you lived around me,, I would install it for you!!!

Look for a private shop that needs the work and will do it for you for something reasonable. Get the parts at a discount auto parts store or on the INTERNET, take the jeep to them and see how much it will cost to install it. Thats your best option!!

I have a Vette and frequent the Vette forum a LOT!

We have modification parties here in CT all the time. 5-10 of us get together at someones house and help each other with our cars. I'm new to the Jeep world but am ready to jump with BOTH FEET!! So,,,if you live in the North East,,you have an open invination to plan a mod party and I will be there!!!

I'm doing a frame off on my 92. I have a complete 91 for parts!!

I cant wait till it's on the road!!

bokey · 07-26-2006, 01:59 PM

$500...for a muffler?

Thats the most retarted thing I have heard in awhile. Just get an aftermarket one...or even just an ol' fashion glass pack?

**Big-n-Broke-YJ** · 07-26-2006, 02:17 PM

just order a replacement exhaust and install it yourself....

or go to a muffler shop with a $20 autozone special and have them weld it. probably charge you $20-$40 to weld it on.

or you could buy a couple $3 clamps and install it yourself assuming you have a hacksaw to cut off the old one....

CrazyHorse · 07-26-2006, 06:04 PM

Had my local muffler shop put in a new exhaust system from the exhaust manifold back. Muffler and tubing installed was $75 total. Used the existing cat.

For $500 that must be one of those OEM Gold Plated Mufflers!!

coachchuck · 07-26-2006, 06:41 PM

OK the mech is one of 2 things.
Assuming the best he doesn't know what he is talking about and doesn't want to lose money so he is over charging.
Or 2 he know what he is talking about and is over charging.

I have no problem with someone making money at what they do. If they don't they can't buy groceries.
But I would walk away from this one unless that is the entire exhaust system from the block to the tail end. Then the price in not bad. But for a muffler it is high.

**Brown Dog** · 07-26-2006, 07:59 PM

That is totally out of line. Besides, if you're offroading much, who wants that kind of money in something that has a big rock target painted on it?

jipjip · 07-26-2006, 08:14 PM

chill out guys, learn the facts before blowing up at this tech....... i am a tech myself, and it pisses me off when people freak out about stuff when they don't know the facts. the "muffler" from chrysler is not just a muffler.....it's the whole piece from the muffler back to the tail pipe. the dealer wants almost $400 for this piece. then about an hour for installation.... that sounds about right. of course their are cheaper options. but the tech is only doing his job, and dealing w/ original equipment parts. aftermarket stuff is cheaper, but won't last as long, so in the end, he was only looking out for you!!!!
be my guest and buy the aftermarket stuff....that's what i did, b/c i know i will be ripping it off on rocks all the time while wheeling, so their's no point to me buying the expensive stuff, but don't freak out at the mechanic for doing his job!!!!!

DrlSgt · 07-26-2006, 08:51 PM

$101.95 from the cat back installed. The muffler has a lifetime warrenty and the pipes have one year. It took them only 35 minutes to do the job.
I'm happy with it.

DrlSgt

Jeepinjon · 07-26-2006, 10:30 PM

Thrush muffler from Advance Auto= $20
Tail pipe from same store= $20
Use a recipricating saw or hack saw and cut the muffler from the cat and make it a little easier on yourself and cut the tailpipe off behind the muffler too. Raise the Jeep up so you can snake the new tail pipe over the trac bar or sway bar, whatever it is. clamp it in. You're out $40 plus tax and an hour of your time.

**paultyler** · 07-26-2006, 11:58 PM

Your mechanic is nuts. Midas will put on a lifetime stock OEM muffler for about $135. I priced it yesterday.

blb_yj · 07-27-2006, 03:09 AM

120 for a flowmaster including installation. wouldnt change it for anything