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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: tlucier on May 31, 2007, 02:27:24 PM

Title: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: tlucier on May 31, 2007, 02:27:24 PM
I just finished installing the Banks Monster cat back exhaust system on my '01 TJ.  My Jeep has the 4 clyinder engine.  Everything went together fairly well but the exhaust pipe makes contact with the right rear shock.  The pipe is right against the shock and rattles at idle.  Anyone else ever run into this problem?  If so, what'd you do to solve it?

Thanks for your help!
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: lanulos89 on May 31, 2007, 03:16:30 PM
a picture would be very helpful
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: tlucier on June 01, 2007, 09:17:56 AM
Sorry about that.  I didn't have time to post pictures yesterday.  Here are a few shots that show the contact between the pipe and the shock.


[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Bounty Hunter on June 01, 2007, 09:46:12 AM
Judging by how the rubber exhaust hanger is being pulled towards the axle, it looks as if the exhaust clamps need loosened and everything pulled back slightly.

Try to gain about 1/4" in front of the muffler and 1/4" behind and you should be fine, making sure you still have enough tube inserted to clamp tightly without distortion.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: jeepheap on June 01, 2007, 03:01:49 PM
bfh the hanger. at least thats what i'd do. :stick:
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Jeffy on June 01, 2007, 03:14:16 PM
I'd loosen the exhaust clams, then adjust the pipe so it doesn't rub.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Liljeepz on June 02, 2007, 01:52:42 PM
I removed my tail pipe and put on a end piece pointed down right after the muffler, so it blows to the ground just before my axle.

Well I didn't remove it, the ground removed it when I got stuck on a hill going backwards. :fitz:
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: tlucier on June 03, 2007, 08:16:36 AM
Thanks for the feedback guys.  Jeffy and Bounty Hunter, now that you mention it, when I installed the exhaust system I pushed the pipe as far on to the backside of the muffler as possible.  I should be able to gain something there by backing off the clamp.  I don't think I can gain much on the front side of the muffler as it bolts up right to the catalytic convertor.  There are 2 studs on the muffler flange that fit through a flange on the cat.  When you tighten the two nuts, it sucks the muffler up tight against the cat.

Jeepheap - I tried the bfh route but the hanger starts to bend up towards the bottom of the frame rail which rotates the exhaust pipe into shock even more.  If I can't get any clearance by moving the exhaust pipe back off the muffler, I may have to try some creative work with the bfh and some 2x4's to get the hanger to bend the right way.

Nuxt option is to build a new hanger to mount to the frame.  I have a friend who owns a machine shop, so he can fab something up for me as long as I give him a sketch.  I just need to pay for materials which shouldn't be too much.

Last option is to put the end piece directly off the muffler like Liljeepz.  Hey Liljeepz, do you have any problems with exhaust fumes, especially at idle at a stoplight or on the trail?
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Jeffy on June 03, 2007, 12:36:42 PM
Thanks for the feedback guys.  Jeffy and Bounty Hunter, now that you mention it, when I installed the exhaust system I pushed the pipe as far on to the backside of the muffler as possible.  I should be able to gain something there by backing off the clamp.  I don't think I can gain much on the front side of the muffler as it bolts up right to the catalytic convertor.  There are 2 studs on the muffler flange that fit through a flange on the cat.  When you tighten the two nuts, it sucks the muffler up tight against the cat.

Also try rotating the pipe a bit.  I can't see how it's attached to the muffler but rotating it a bit should help to get it away from the shock.  If you're worried about the length and having the tailpipe exposed out the back, you could cut the pipe that the tip attaches to.  Then have the tip far enough back that it isn't sticking past the gas tank skidplate.

Oh and when you use those clamps, try to have the bolt on top of the pipe.  This leaves less to get hung up on.
Bolt-on exhausts always take a adjustment or two after they are installed to get them just right.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: tlucier on June 03, 2007, 12:52:17 PM
The exhaust pipe is connected to the muffler with a simple clamp.  After loosening the clamp, I should be able to rotate it a bit to get some more clearance. 

The only thing I need to watch for is the hanger brackets.  If I rotate the pipe too much, the hanger pins won't line up with the hangers.  There are two hangers; 1 is at the rear of the exhaust pipe and can be seen in the earlier pictures.  The other hanger is closer to the muffler side of the pipe.

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Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Jeffy on June 03, 2007, 01:16:26 PM
You don't need to rotate it a lot. (Might not have to rotate it any once you pull it back a few inches.)  You're probably only really looking for 1/2" -1" of space between the shock and the pipe.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Liljeepz on June 03, 2007, 02:06:46 PM
Quote
Last option is to put the end piece directly off the muffler like Liljeepz.  Hey Liljeepz, do you have any problems with exhaust fumes, especially at idle at a stoplight or on the trail?

Nope, none. Its far enough back that it doesnt come in even when the doors are off, My kid seems to be normal too so the back seat doesnt get any eather!  :lol:
 Ill have to get off my lazy but and take a pic or two.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Bounty Hunter on June 04, 2007, 11:38:30 AM
I too use a turn-down right behind the muffler, with no problems.  Got tired of beating up tailpipes so I did away with it.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: tlucier on June 05, 2007, 07:20:41 AM
Banks contacted me today and they said they believe the issue is my lift kit. They said their installation manager reviewed the pictures I sent them and they feel the lift lit put the shock in a different position than the stock location.  The lift is a 6" Rough Country X Series. Banks said the lift will alter the location of the upper shock mount and cause the interference.  I don't get it.  Since their product was designed for a stock Jeep it is now on me to get it to work.  Banks said that their exhaust pipe is larger in diameter than stock, so their opinion is the combination of the lift and the larger diameter exhaust pipe is the problem.  They said I should contact a local muffler shop for help.  You'd think for the money I spent, I could expect a little better customer service.

 
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Bounty Hunter on June 05, 2007, 09:04:14 AM
They are correct, the shock will become more vertical as the jeep is lifted, moving the shock canister closer to the exhaust.

You could always have the upper shock mount moved slightly forward.

Either way it's on your dime.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Jeffy on June 05, 2007, 12:19:51 PM
Banks contacted me today and they said they believe the issue is my lift kit. They said their installation manager reviewed the pictures I sent them and they feel the lift lit put the shock in a different position than the stock location.  The lift is a 6" Rough Country X Series. Banks said the lift will alter the location of the upper shock mount and cause the interference.  I don't get it.  Since their product was designed for a stock Jeep it is now on me to get it to work.  Banks said that their exhaust pipe is larger in diameter than stock, so their opinion is the combination of the lift and the larger diameter exhaust pipe is the problem.  They said I should contact a local muffler shop for help.  You'd think for the money I spent, I could expect a little better customer service.

 

Have you even bothered to adjust it yourself?  It's not Banks fault.  You were expecting too much with a modified vehicle.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: tlucier on June 05, 2007, 07:47:51 PM
No, I haven't had time to adjust it myself.  As a matter of fact I am on my honeymoon at the Outer Banks this week and I won't be able to adjust it until this coming weekend.  I was trying to get the exhaust fixed so we could take the Jeep with us this and 4 wheel on the beach this week.  I never said it was Banks fault and this won't keep me from making other purchases from Banks.  But who out there has a bone stock Jeep and plans to add a Banks Monster exhaust with no other modifications?  I never saw any info on Banks website or in the installation manual that said you can't install their exhaust system on a vehicle that has been modified in any manner.  When I get back home on Saturday afternoon, I'll recheck the installation manual.

I'm not pointing fingers at Banks and like I said, its not going to stop me from making future purchases from Banks.  I just would have liked a little advanced warning that this is not a bolt on installation for a Jeep with a lift.  Jeffy, I appreciate the advice you've given me and as soon as I get home this weekend, I plan to try every suggestion you've made.  Thanks again for your help.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Bounty Hunter on June 05, 2007, 09:37:47 PM
I hear where you're coming from, would have been nice of Banks to include a disclaimer about using on lifted vehicle, if in fact they didn't.

 :popcorn:
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Jeffy on June 06, 2007, 12:52:58 AM
I hear where you're coming from, would have been nice of Banks to include a disclaimer about using on lifted vehicle, if in fact they didn't.

 :popcorn:

It's kind of implied with any part though. :blbl:

I think he'll be fine once he gets his hands on it.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Bluesteel88 on June 06, 2007, 10:02:57 AM
I have the same exact problem, i have the Rough Country 4in Lift and the banks exhaust, i am going to try to fix it this week, see what i can do to get it off the shock.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Jesse-James on June 06, 2007, 04:56:40 PM
I hear where you're coming from, would have been nice of Banks to include a disclaimer about using on lifted vehicle, if in fact they didn't.

Wouldn't you still have bought it if they did? Honestly?
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: tlucier on June 06, 2007, 08:30:43 PM
Honestly, I probably would have posted something here and asked if anyone with a lift installed a Banks exhaust kit and if they did, how did they solve the clearance problem.  If I got decent feedback, like I did in this case, then yes I would have bought it.  If I didn't get any response, then I wouldn't have bought it.

Now having written that, I should have done exactly what I just wrote and then I would have been prepared and avoided this issue altogether.

As Homer Simpson once said, "I am so smart! I am so smart!  S-M-R-T!  I mean S-M-R-T!

Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: garydubf on June 07, 2007, 07:40:26 AM
What does the exhaust sound like?  Does it have a nice deep tone or does it soung like some highschool punks sport tuner?
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: tlucier on June 07, 2007, 01:12:39 PM
It got a deeper, throatier sound versus the stock exhaust.  Its a nice mellow sound, slightly louder than stock but not obnoxious.  It's not a high pitched sound like those Honda aftermarket exhaust systems.  I was worried about how it would sound, but after installing it an hearing it I'm pretty happy with the sound.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: lanulos89 on June 07, 2007, 02:20:05 PM
best sounding exhaust systemt you can buy paceseter headers, and straight pipe, to pacesetter cat back system, i had it, sounded like i had a cam installed.  was too loud tho parents and neighbors made me remove it :confused:
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: jeepheap on June 07, 2007, 05:03:47 PM
side bar- my neighbor complained to me about a hole in my exhaust waking him up, and told me i needed to fix it.

i put on a cherry bomb. he hasn't talked to me since. :twofingers:
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: garydubf on June 08, 2007, 07:20:08 AM
Anybody tried a Flowmaster on their 2.5?
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Bounty Hunter on June 08, 2007, 09:23:16 AM
I had a Flowmaster 50DF and it was too loud.  I did like the sound on the trail, and the downhill cackle, but too annoying leaving the house.

I now have an OEM replacement with no converter and like the sound/performance.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Jeffy on June 08, 2007, 11:48:45 PM
I had a Flowmaster on my Jeep too.  I forget what model it was.  I'm not even sure if they had models back then .  It was loud and I saw no real performance gains.  Although when it fell off it was even louder.   :thumb:  It broke around the outlet weld.  The Aluminized paint heats up and gets tacky till it burns off and then get rusty.  Although mind didn't get a change to get rusty.  Threw it in the trash and went with a Stainless Steel Cat-back.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: garydubf on June 09, 2007, 08:24:06 AM
Loud is ok with me I'm more concerned with tone. Don,t want my jeep sounding like a mad humming bird! I've heard 4.0's with 2.5in exhaust and flow masters.  Thought they sounded good, LOUD!! Haven't heard a modified 2.5 yet. Like I said though I am more concerned with tone than I am with decibles!
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: tlucier on June 11, 2007, 08:55:15 AM
Hey guys!  Thanks to everyone who posted suggestions to help me.  Yesterday, I loosened the clamp connecting the tailpipe to the muffler.  I pulled the pipe away from the muffler a bit and rotated the entire pipe as much as the hangers would allow to clear the shock.  I tightened the clamp to hold the pipe in place.  Then I went to the rear most hanger and pushed the pin in a little further than normal.  It was a bit of a pain as there is a stop on the pin that is tough to fit through the rubber hanger, but a good spraying of WD40 on the hanger and pin helped that.  I can post pics if you want, but all you're gonna see is a pipe with clearance between the gas tank and the shock. 

Thanks again for the help!  I really appreciate it!   :thumb:
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Jeffy on June 11, 2007, 12:51:43 PM
Congrats.  I think a picture would be nice for a final resolution.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: tlucier on June 12, 2007, 10:47:32 AM
The pictures I took are too big.  I'll take a few more after work at a lower resolution and post them tonight.
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: tlucier on June 13, 2007, 03:22:33 PM
Ok, here are the final pictures.  As you can see, I've got plenty of clearance now.  If you look at the hanger, you can see where the stop on the pin from the frame sits up flush against the hanger.  You can't see the stop on the hanger pin coming off the exhaust pipe.  That's because I pushed it into the hanger to gain a little more clearance.  Thanks again to everyone for all your help!

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Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: Jesse-James on June 13, 2007, 03:25:35 PM
So.....how's it sound?
Title: Re: Banks Monster Cat Back on an '01 TJ
Post by: tlucier on June 15, 2007, 03:22:38 PM
It's got a deeper, throatier sound versus the stock exhaust.  Its a nice mellow sound, slightly louder than stock but not obnoxious.  It's not a high pitched sound like those Honda aftermarket exhaust systems.  I was worried about how it would sound, but after installing it and hearing it, I'm pretty happy.