I forgot to mention with the install pics that I posted for the Magnaflow exhaust, there was a design flaw that you all want to be aware of. This has probably been posted already, but I can not find it, if it is already posted. Although not a serious one, the flaw does add additional time to the install due to having to fabricate a hanger for the right side tail pipe.

First of all, on the 05 4x2 Crew Cab with the Big Tow package, the spare tire is offset to the left side, probably by a third of the tire. This forces you to hang the left side tail pipe directly under the frame with the supplied hanger that fits into the frame, putting the tail pipe just to the outside of the tow hitch mounting bracket. OK, so no problem so far with that.

However, you run into a problem when you go to hang the right side tail pipe, which is supposed to hang from the oem hanger that is mounted on the inside of the right side frame, putting the tail pipe directly in line with the hitch mounting bracket. So, we had to remove the factory tail pipe hanger bracket and fetch another generic hanger that allows you to insert a generic support rod and angle it over to the right to provide a support hanger for the tail pipe that has to be run on the outside of the right side frame, missing the hitch bracket. This allows the tail pipe to line up equi-distant under the bumper from the side of the truck so the tail pipes are proportionately spaced under the bumper.

The distributor "rep" where the Midas shop purchased the Magnaflow system was there during the install. He decided to call Magnaflow directly and got the following story:

Magnaflow asked Nissan for a couple of trucks to use for designing their exhaust systems. The trucks were sent to their design facility. They gathered the necessary measurements and created their product. However, later they found out that they had been given the base Titan trucks, none of which had the Big Tow packages, and therefore, no tow hitch brackets to design around. So, when we tried to hang our Magnaflow, we found that the right side hanger which was placed to the inside of the right frame, our tail pipe would not work in that location.

My theory:
First of all, hitch or no hitch, the oem hanger was located on the inside of the frame. If hung under that hanger, the right side tail pipe would not be located symmetrically to the left side tail pipe that was hanging on the outside of the frame.

Secondly, due to the spare tire placement to left-center of the truck, the exhaust piping is required to circle around the spare, leaving only one location for the left side tail pipe to be hung, this being to the outside of the left frame. To place the right side tail pipe in any other place than the mirror placement of the left side tail pipe would yield a lopsided and rediculous look.

So, I am not really sure what the Magnaflow issue really was, but we made it work without too much of an issue. It would have been a huge problem for me, if I were to attempt the install at my shop, and had I not been in a muffler shop...I dont keep any spare exhaust hangers lying around....so, for those of you who decide to go with the Magnaflow system, and you want to install it yourself, just beware of the hanger situation. I am extremely happy with the sound....I feel like a kid again, tromping on the gas and backing off just to hear the back talk....my wife just kinda looks straight ahead not saying a word.....she will never understand. The Magnaflow sound makes the installation problem seem pretty petty, I highly recommend the system....I will video it tomorrow, and hopefully I can convert the video file to MP3 format so I can post here....

Hopefully Magnaflow has fixed the problem by now. I had an issue with the Flowmaster system's left side hanger but it was easily resolved and they have since updated their installation instructions. Due to the radiating heat, be careful of how close your exhaust pipes get to the rubber brake lines and spare tire.

They routed the left side pipe around the brake lines...I was careful to ensure that the pipes could not come into contact with those lines. The shop I had install the system went as far as to wire tie the lines togeter slightly to keep them as far as practicable from the pipe. You are right, though, any heat that gets to those lines and/or the spare will have an adverse effect on them. And no matter who the manufacturer is, I think they all have to use this same path to get the pipe back to the rear....

The distributor the shop got them from said they had just gotten this package in the day before (this past Tuesday), so it is a very recent product, if you can believe what you hear from a salesman. The instructions mention nothing about the offset for the tow hitch.

They routed the left side pipe around the brake lines...I was careful to ensure that the pipes could not come into contact with those lines. The shop I had install the system went as far as to wire tie the lines togeter slightly to keep them as far as practicable from the pipe. You are right, though, any heat that gets to those lines and/or the spare will have an adverse effect on them. And no matter who the manufacturer is, I think they all have to use this same path to get the pipe back to the rear....

The distributor the shop got them from said they had just gotten this package in the day before (this past Tuesday), so it is a very recent product, if you can believe what you hear from a salesman. The instructions mention nothing about the offset for the tow hitch.

Actually the Flowmaster and Borla systems route the left tailpipe differently. The pipe runs under/behind the rear axle not above it. It does not come close to the brake lines.

Hey Mills - I have the same system and ran into the same problem as you. I installed mine in the garage and after a bit of cussing went to Autozone and got a strap type hanger that attaches to the pipe with a u-bolt and mounts to the frame. It looks fine, but I still need to do some adjusting. I might just take it to my trusty local mechanic for a quick weld.

I agree with you regarding Magnaflow's sketchy answer. The right side would be about 2 inches closer to the centerline of the truck than the left side if you used the stock hanger. AND the Titan in their demo video clip has the tow package (and a big crease in the bumper): http://www.magnaflow.com/04sound/trucksound/titanl.htm

Fitment issue aside, I too really like this exhaust and the sound. Turns the heads of my neighbors with Hemi Rams... :twisted:

Right on...their heads all turn because it is so easy to look at as well....thats a really, really nice looking truck you got there, talker....