I have a 1996 12v with 173k on it. The exhaust that came with the truck is steel and shot, which was a 3. 5 inch with holes in it. I am going to get a new one as soon as my truck comes out of the shop with new panels and paint.,.. Must be straight piped. Seriously considering a 5" MBRP straight pipe to a 5-6 inch tip. Want a 5" for super loud and melo sound...Any advice or recomandations based on your experience is greatly appreciated thanks.

 

I can't speak to 5" and being "mello", but I put a 4" MBRP with muffler on mine, fit like a glove, and I really love it.

Got it from Lary here at the DTR store for a great price..........

 

I put a 4 inch stainless steel Diamond Eye exhaust system on mine after my tail pipe fell off after a 230K. I like the sound it's as quiet as the stock exhaust until you hit 2K rpm's then it gets pretty loud. I have a neighbor who straight piped his and he put a muffler on after about two months. I got mine off Ebay from an outfit out of Idaho for $314 included shipping

 

No offense, but I'm glad you don't drive near MY house!