schu

I have a 2003 and the exhaust is finally shot. Needs to be replaced, but I don't want a loud truck. More performance would be good as I do tow with it, but not of it's going to be loud or drone.

I know many of you have tried a number of combinations, I've read about hushpower, but don't think I can order that downpipe back (no cat on the 2003). Also, is it worth it to upgrade to a 4" downpipe?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
schu

schu

Diamond Eye 4" Turbo-Back Exhaust Dodge 03-04 :: The Power Shop

Something like that in stainless, without the muffler then buy some clamps and a hushpower?

gasjr4wd

You should take this opportunity to upgrade the turbo and downpipe to 4". The 03-04 trucks had smaller turbos than others. Just grab a used one from a slightly newer truck as most guys upgrade theirs to larger - if not a turbo swap at least grab a 4" elbow for yours. I first went with the cheapest MBRP system I could find. WOW, LOUD. Totally sucked. Our 03-04 trucks drone more than other years. Off came that muffler. Still have it sitting in the back yard.
Sound - first, I'm like you for wanting a quiet truck. I could have gone quieter but what I did works. I run two - First, a 30" FTE Res/Muffler, then I went with a Donaldson M101167 muffler. For something more quiet, M085421 or M100464. I think all the 4" in & out style 1's flow enough air. When looking at them, check: Attenuation: 25-35 dBA - that is how much they quiet things down. I think the 464 is the quietest but make sure you check the Donaldson site. Right now it's down for maintenance or something.
https://dynamic.donaldson.com/WebSto...04&kiosk=false
or maybe
https://www.donaldson.com/en/exhaust...ary/061237.pdf
I like the dynamic online better...
Prices very a lot from site to site. I went with the one I did because it was cheapest.
I've got a long bed and actually could have fit all 3 in there... the FTE, then the MBRP, then the donaldson and had them all fit. I don't know what MBRP they shipped with my original system. Nothing said. Resist listening to others that say "oh, get a X brand and it's fine" without them telling you what model muffler they used. Just like everyone, each brand makes different mufflers.
Use the new style wide band clamps. Not the old school crush style. I didn't weld mine so I'm future proof, I can change it much easier. Yes, I do weld.
Nelson mufflers cross reference with Donaldson. if it matters, Nelson is a Cummins brand. They normally cost more than Donaldson. (same exact thing) Some guys run just the FTE and say it's fine. I hate doing things more than once. And I really hate doing exhaust work but this was really, really simple.
If you want more info, just ask. I had a list of 10 or 12 donaldson that I was narrowing it down from someplace...

justen920

I like my Megnaflow. It is not loud, very little drone, inexpensive and stainless.

Asher

I wanted the same thing you are looking for and I found the perfect set-up. I went with a 5" semi muffler and reduced it back down to the 4" tail pipe.. the truck is as quite as stock, has a tiny bit of grumble with standing on it, but not really more then stock... I really don't like the sound of loud diesels so this was perfect. The only problem I had was finding a adapter to go from 3.5" pipe to the 5" muffler.. The muffler is a straight flow thru design, and at first I was worried, but it worked awesome, and it was cheap (something like $53) because it is a most common muffler used on heavy duty truck applications.. The thing is the size of a small water heater but tucks up nicely under the truck... If I had it to do again, I would do exactly the same thing..

Sorry the muffler is a Donaldson M100465

C Schomer

I used a 51" Nelson and also a 4" DP and it was quiet enough but it sounded trashy. I stuffed the chambers with FG insulation and it was as quiet as stock til I replaced the turbo and the battle was on, again. I got bad drone so I put a 30" glasspack resonator at the bottom of the DP. That was good for a couple more years and I wanted it even quieter so I wrapped the exhaust from the trubo to the muffler with craftback FG batts and taped it tightly. We can have a pieceful conversation and hear the radio at full load. The 4" DP did very little but I wanted the 4" PRXB. I've always liked open center glass or steel packs the best for tone and DBa.Craig

RJ285

I really like my Banks system. It was more expensive but there is no drone, fit and finish is excellent and the sound level is stock.

Danderson

Magnaflow's and Banks were too loud for a couple of friend's. How about returning to the stock muffler? Those '03-04's got great mileage stock.

mossyoak11

diamond Eye TB 4' downpipe with baffles. Super Quiet system.

jlarmour

I have a magniflow on mine, it's quiet until you get on it. Does have a little drone at 80mph. Nothing compared to my old 98 straight pipe though.....

Equalizer 2

Just installed a turbo back MBRP and it is really mellow to my ears. I have only run it up to about 70 MPH and the wife does not complain at all about the noise. It is a bit noisier than stock but it appears that my RPM has dropped at any given speed and my EGTs have dropped when pulling 6% grades. I don't know what my results will be once I start towing my 5th wheel but unloaded I am very happy.

RamDodgeSam

which gearing do you have? are you just a hair about 2000rpm at 80? thats where my drone is the loudest. not at 70, not at 90