Hi Guys,

Due to very high diesel prices, I am wanting to replace my Bulky stock muffler to improve fuel economy and better sound. My finances do not allow me to install a complete exhaust system at this time.

Couple questions:
1. I am reading a lot of good comments about the Aero Turbine 4040XL muffler. What is your thoughts on this? Is it worth the $200? Does it sound really cool?

2. What is another good name brand besides Aero Turbine?

3. Can I REALISTICALLY expect my fuel economy to increase? If so, 1 MGP, 2MPG, etc--what has been your documented experience?

Please advise..... Happy New Year!!

 

I replaced the stocker on my 05 with a MBRP and the truck sound good.
The sound level in the cab is the same as the stock exaust.
There wasnt any drastic mileage improvement with it, Maaybe 1 or two MPG.

 

You have what may be near the most fuel efficient 3rd gen out there (03 2wd) so I'm not sure you could expect a lot in mpg.

I had the 4040XL on my 04.5. It was louder than I expected it to be and there was a drone at certain highway speeds, especially when towing. There was a lot of talk about aftermarket mufflers and drone with the 03-05's that seems to have settles a lot since the 06's came out.

I have had MBRP systems on my last 2 trucks. Personally I like the tone and volume of the MBRP better. No drone, with near stock cab noise under normal driving conditions. You can purchase the MBRP muffler here in the DTR store. You do not need to buy the complete system as I recall.

If mileage is your main motivation, you can also do an airbox modification to increase airflow. You might search that as well. Basically you cut some holes in the airbox and add an aftermarket drop in filter.

I have found that these 2 mods go well together to reduce EGT's, improve spool up of the turbo, and in my case improve mileage about 1mpg.

 

I agree with all said I have a 06 and have tried a a bullet,30 magna flow,and now a 51 donaldson.The first two mufflers were horribly loud would drone horribly.The Donaldson is the way to go there fairly cheap ,sounds a little louder and deeper then stock,I also have done the free air box stuff.My buddy has the same exact truck but stock muffler and filter.I only get a couple more miles per gallon then him but it is better.

 

I replaced my stock muffler at first with a Magnaflow. Great sound but extremely loud drone towing my trailer. The drone seems to be a common complaint with the aftermarket mufflers. I then bought a Nelson 51" muffler at my local Cummins dealer for around $80.00. The install fee was $30.00 and now I have a great sound and no dreaded drone. Hope this helps.

 

i too was thinking of replacing my cat and stock muffler on my 2004.5 ram diesel. I was then going to add just a aero4040xl in their places. I hope its not going to be too loud.

 

How much is the Donaldson muffler, and where can you get it?

 

do u mean like a normal donaldson 5 inch muffler like on a semi truck?

 

Yes, the 5 in muffler.

 

we get them at work for like $60-80 bux i think. We put them on semi trucks. They are 5 inch on both ends and like 50-55 inches tall. They arent quite str8 through though. they have some baffling in them but minor

 

I'm looking for the cheapest mufler I can find that still sounds alright to put on my truck so it will pass inspection. I may have to do some fabbing though because can't afford exhaust right now and have the stock 3 1/2 pipe (or whatever it is). I heard somewhere that you can get them at NAPA I think.

 

Ryder Fleet, 41" was $63 delivered to my door

 

search down a page or so.......I brought up an old thread, trying to figure out one question about the Donaldson's. Don Thuren posted a link to a video he did with his 51" w/o something that starts with a "C" I beleive

 

arent all 3rd gen stock exhaust 4 inch? BIG SMOKY i dont think yours is 3.5 inch. my 2004.5 ram is 4 inch

 

nope, 04.5 is when they started doing the 4in