JBA Exhaust Installation Help

t0ked · 04-13-2008, 07:36 PM

I think I was one of the last guys to get in on the groupbuy for this exhaust. I love the sound and the look. The problem I'm having is the installation.

So this question goes to all those who have this exhaust. I pieced all the parts together and used the clamps. I've tightened them down as tight as they will go... but there is still play between the pipes. This morning I turned on the FJ and saw condensation dripping out of the exhaust at 3 different areas so I know there are leaks. At WOT, it definitely sounds like there are exhaust leaks.

I did as the instructions stated. I slip one end of the pipe over the other and then clamp them with the parts provided, but even tightened fully, I can slide the pipes apart. I had to rig something up to keep the tail piece correctly aimed. Am I doing something wrong? I really don't want to weld everything, but it seems that is the direction I will need to go. Any help is appreciated.

BTW, taking out the OEM exhaust was one of the most agonizing things I've ever done. Those two bolts by the upturm passed the muffler is ridiculous. Even after I removed it, I couldn't get them off with air tools. WTF?

fj_tonka_toy09 · 04-13-2008, 11:47 PM

Well, it seems that since you didn't take the stock exhaust apart fully that you didn't put the exhaust gaskets back on to seal it up. I know coming from the Y pipe there's a gasket and then the muffler just goes together with the U clamps on either side. It actually would be best to weld them for a better fit which is what I might do so I don't have to worry about mine freaking rattling all the time.

**FJKoji** · 04-14-2008, 01:35 AM

You sure you have your u-clamps tightened as far as they will go?
I would give it another go. I tightened mine too much and ended up bending one of the pipes so with enough elbow grease I am sure you can tighten it further.
You are right though, that one set of bolts was impossible to get off. I ended up using a sawzall (thanks FJoel!) to cut the pipe in half to get it off. I wasn't aware of any gaskets on the OEM catback . . . ?

t0ked · 04-14-2008, 05:56 AM

There are no gaskets in the stock exhaust set up so I don't know about that. But, yeah, when I took the JBA back apart, I saw that the larger diameter pipe had bent due to the clamps. It's just that the inner pipe still has play! Oh well. Looks like some pipe flaring and welding it is then. And I don't have any rattling it's just that right now there are numerous exhaust leaks.

FJ666 · 04-14-2008, 06:16 AM

I installed mine and no leaks so far. I will have another look today. I do find it rubs on the frame at the back. I'm going to try to fix that today.
Those two bolts are impossible to get off. I wanted to save the OEM exhaust but ended up cutting mine off too.

RomaBoy · 04-14-2008, 06:59 AM

Quote:

t0ked previously said:

I think I was one of the last guys to get in on the groupbuy for this exhaust. I love the sound and the look. The problem I'm having is the installation.

So this question goes to all those who have this exhaust. I pieced all the parts together and used the clamps. I've tightened them down as tight as they will go... but there is still play between the pipes. This morning I turned on the FJ and saw condensation dripping out of the exhaust at 3 different areas so I know there are leaks. At WOT, it definitely sounds like there are exhaust leaks.

I did as the instructions stated. I slip one end of the pipe over the other and then clamp them with the parts provided, but even tightened fully, I can slide the pipes apart. I had to rig something up to keep the tail piece correctly aimed. Am I doing something wrong? I really don't want to weld everything, but it seems that is the direction I will need to go. Any help is appreciated.

BTW, taking out the OEM exhaust was one of the most agonizing things I've ever done. Those two bolts by the upturm passed the muffler is ridiculous. Even after I removed it, I couldn't get them off with air tools. WTF?

I never want to weld anything together either in case I want to take it apart later. This is what you need and I have used them with great success. JEGS Preformed Stainless Steel Exhaust Band Clamps - JEGS

t0ked · 04-14-2008, 07:34 AM

Yeah, I don't want to weld it together either. But those clamps from Jegs looks promising, only thing is they don't make bent ones which I'll need... ugh.

RomaBoy · 04-14-2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

t0ked previously said:

Yeah, I don't want to weld it together either. But those clamps from Jegs looks promising, only thing is they don't make bent ones which I'll need... ugh.

Hey Bro, I have the same JBA cat back system. Where everything connects is straight so why do you need bent clamps?

Regud · 04-14-2008, 10:27 AM

RomaBoy - Did you use 3 of the JEGS 2" clamps? I am installing my JBA exhaust later this week and think these clamps are the better way to go.

**FJKoji** · 04-14-2008, 10:43 AM

Quote:

FJ666 previously said:

I installed mine and no leaks so far. I will have another look today. I do find it rubs on the frame at the back. I'm going to try to fix that today.
Those two bolts are impossible to get off. I wanted to save the OEM exhaust but ended up cutting mine off too.

I have a little bit of rub/rattle on mine as well. Just trying to figure out how to fix that.