I was talking to a guy at a local Speed shop, he stated that all exhaust systems should be welded because the clamps break too easy. Anyone have issues like this. He mentioned that if drive on a lot of rough terrain that the clamps just can't stand the abuse. Let me know your experiences.

TIA,
Chad

 

dont agree, I prefer clamps and so does dodge, our trucks come with clamps stock. I also like clamps, b/c you can always do exhaust modifcations much easier by just removing the clamps v.s. having to sawzall the pipe b/c its welded

 

I had problems with my clamps on my gasser. One came off one day after driving hard over rough terrain. Started it up the next day, and since it was before the glasspack, it sounded awesome, I had to get underneath there with a hammer and a new clamp and hook it back up.

Then again, it was a homerigged exhaust system, so I'm sure that a good exhaust shop setup would be better than my old one.

 

beings weld's weak points are vibrations - I would reccomend clamps where possible. welds are the next best thing. If you have a situation where your clamps keep backing off, try using some self locking nuts.

 

If the exhuast is permanent I think it should be welded. clamps can leak, come loose etc.

now me on the other hand I would not actually weld tell I am completely happy as I have this tendancy to change my mind possibly want to sell the thing and try something esle.

so short story long welding is more trouble free IMO but at the same time once it is welded it would need to be cut to be shipped and or removed.

if a clamp were to really come loose it is usually more operator error. did not get it tight enough or check it again after some miles were on it. I have never broke one that I did not just strip out myself or something.

some of that depends on if it is a factory oriented setup (usign stock location and hangers) or a custom done job. some exhaust shops are not the savy on harmonics and things like this so they will do somes stupid things they would not if they were an engineer per say rather than just a welder.

 

I prefer stainless band clamps. Dynomax and others make em' and they are very strong and seal better, imo, than stock clamps.

 

ditto on the band clamps. there the only way to fly

 

I prefer welding, but with good properly torqued clamps I don't see a problem clamps. If I was one to constantly change my exhaust or if I lived in a area wear corrosion would take it's toll on underside parts I would not weld it.

 

If whoever welds it has an idea what they are doing the weld should be just as strong as the pipe itself.

The couple that I have done I install with the clamps first, drive for a couple days to make sure nothing rubs and you are happy with the location of everything then weld it up.

 

Well actually depepnding on the rod/wire used, the weld (assuming done correctly) will be stronger than the metal its welded too. However even perfect technique will still cause any stress to jump to the metal right next to the weld possibly causing it to work harden and tear.

I agree about band clamps over regular clamps just because the regular clamps usually crush the joint negating an easy removal.

The only way im gonna attach a new muffler on my truck will be with band clamps or flanges.
Actually any one know where to get 4" diameter flanges? Flanges make like great. Id like to get 6 pair. each side of the muffler and each side of that "other piece" which could easily be replaced with a straight pipe. for offroad usage only of course...

 

Ramtough,

We are talking of 16 or 18 gauge exhaust pipe, correct? 304 stainless steel has about a 80k psi tensile strength and a 309 rod has about 87k psi tensile if welded correctly. That is not going to be enough of a difference to induce stress in the heat affected zone around the weld.

Try taking a clamp of after a year or two. Easier just to cut it off.

 

another vote for band clamps. any truck shop will have 4" and 5" lap and butt band clamps in stock. i popped for ss304 ones for my exhaust as they were only a few $$$ a piece more than the steel ones. wasn't going to ever put the guillotine clamps on