Based on all of the great reviews on the Nelson and Donaldson 51" muffers, I was set on going that direction. But now I'm thinking Banks ME due to the DP and no hassle installation kit. It's 2x the money, but it's SS and again, no hassle!

I've heard some rumblings about the BME not generating any drone and being pretty quite in the cab, but need to confirm that rumor. That said...

The thing I need to know first is #1, is there any drone whatsoever? and #2, how much louder is it in the cab vs. the OEM exhaust?

TIA! Sam

 

There is a slight drone but I think it may be due to the drive shaft problem they have had. After the TSB 18-037-04 most of it has gone away, although I am not sure why. It is definitely a little louder in the cab, but not enough to bother me. I wanted it to be a little louder......The installation is a snap....

 

Can't coment on the 3rd gens. I have had my BME on my 01 for 3yrs & only notice a slight drone when pulling a long steep grade &12,000lbs in tow. Can't really notice it at all with the tunes cranked up & enjoying passing every RV in site.

 

I have a Banks exhaust on my truck. The Banks muffler was way too loud when pulling my fiver. I replaced the muffler with a Donaldson. It is far better now, the noise level is close to stock and there is no drone.

 

more info on the TSB/ driveshaft issue
is this where the humming is comming from the rear at times?

 

No it appears to be a vibration through the truck...not the rear end

 

I like mine just fine, I can hear it, but to me its not too loud at all. I have heard some folks with SWB rigs that get the drones though, not sure if or how they fixed it.

 

I like it. Sounds great when you hit the go pedal but not much louder at a steady cruise.

Depending on load there's a Slight drone between 70-75. With the radio on you don't even notice it.

 

I like mine also. It is only louder in the cab after 1800 rpm or so. It will stay loud on hard acceleration until you level out rpm. Then it is barely noticable. I have no drone in the cab.

You will definitely hear it when pulling a load under acceleration. It is pretty loud then. This makes it a little noisy in hilly conditions.

 

No drone in my Banks exhaust. It is louder, but passed the wife test ... "Thats not bad, I thought it was going to be loud".

 

My Banks System should (hope) be on my door step tomorrow. I'll let you know what kind of install soon... unless your going to be in MI anytime soon and wanna help with the install? I hope I get the same response from my wife test, all I hear so far is "you sold the 2001 for the 2003 because it was so much quieter" I guess I forgot to tell her about the increased power of the 03

 

in the 2100 to 2200 rpm area in O/D under load gets a bit loud, but once you level off it's not bad. In city driving or when taking it easy and/or light load it gives a nice rumble and sounds nice....not loud.

 

Fits like a glove.taking old off was a hassle.Sounds GREAT! wife likes IT! Neighbors like it! Fuel mileage jump instanly about 1 to 2 mpg.Was noticeable increase.

 

The Banks exhaust does work very well with no drone. It is nearly as quiet as stock in the cab with a deeper tone. Outside the truck it will be louder than stock. Banks exhaust also features the true 4" down pipe that replaces the cast elbow on the turbo and the muffler has an expansion area near the inlet to combat drone. Banks exhaust is also a great fit and comes with a 5" double wall SS tip. Give us a call with quetions or a quote for the exhaust to fit your truck.