Before beginning Muffler replacement for vehicles with 4.3l, 4.8l, 5.3l or 6.0l engines drivers must protect their eyes with goggles while wearing gloves and follow exhaust service protocols. All Muffler components including
Exhaust Pipe and Tail Pipe form one servicing unit while aftermarket Tail Pipe replacements could exist in some vehicles. The frame of the vehicle needs to be raised to lower the rear axle position. A 4.3l engine with one
Catalytic Converter pipe requires removal of all Muffler flange retaining nuts for the converter pipe. To service the left Catalytic Converter pipes on 4.8l/5.3l/6.0l engine vehicles loose the right clamp then use a wrench to remove all the nuts from the left converter's connection to the Muffler flange. The procedure for removing the exhaust hanger pins from exhaust hanger insulators must be performed by two people since the weights involved can exceed individual capability. Transfer the Muffler assembly over the rear axle while pulling it forward so that the front of the vehicle becomes reachable. Two people might be needed to lift the Muffler assembly from the front of the vehicle over the rear axle before installing hanger pins onto exhaust hanger insulators. When working on the front of the Muffler with a 4.3l engine you need to install retaining nuts and a new gasket afterward then torque the Catalytic Converter to Muffler retaining nuts to 48 n.m (35 lb.ft). 4.8l/4.3l/6.0l engine owners should place the right Catalytic Converter into the Muffler and use a torque wrench to tighten the clamp nut to 54 n.m (40 lb ft). Insert the left Catalytic Converter assembly while using a new gasket together with the Muffler flange nuts before tightening both the right Catalytic Converter clamp to 54 n.m (40 lb ft) and the left Muffler flange retaining nuts to 48 n.m (35 lb ft). Finally, lower the vehicle.