Attention exhaust experts

[LaVoi]

I drive a 91' Ford Ranger and a lot of little things are starting to go wrong which is making me ponder a different vehicle. I wouldn't mind driving it a little longer if I don't have to put too much into it. The main thing I need fixed is that my entire exhaust system is corroded away. All that is left on it is half of the muffler, and yes it is very loud! Anyone have a ballpark figure of how much this would cost to get fixed. I am guessing a few hundred bucks but wanted to ask you guys on here that probably know more about it than I do. Thanks

[iffwalleyes]

Simple exhaust should be around 200 bucks probably. I had dual cat back exhaust put on my last truck and that cost me $350. For the dual pipes and mufflers.

[Greg T]

if really all you need is muffler & tailpipe, go to your friendly local parts store, and just have them look up the pieces you need. Probably need new hangers and what-not, but cheaper to do it yourself.

[Law Firm]

Depends on how many miles you have and are planning on putting on it. If your planning on only driving it for a few more months, I wouldn't put the money into it.

[SCHAAKATTACK]

Lavoi, You have left out a lot of key information. There are a lot of different model '91 Rangers and can vary greatly. Reg cab or Supercab? Shortbox or Longbox? 2wd or 4wd? 4cyl or 6 cyl If 6cyl 2.9L or 4.0L? All are factors in getting the right parts. In general most trucks have an intermediate pipe, muffler and tailpipe after the catalytic converter, provided that hasn't fallen off too. You can also expect to need a couple of clamps and maybe a gasket. Hopefully the rubber hangars are still on the truck. Call a local repair shop. Are you near any of the major chain repair shops? They should be able to put it on a hoist and show you what you need and give you an estimate. I would bet you you could have it done for about $130-$180 and be on your way in 45 minutes or less.

I can tell you from working in the industry in the past that quite often a vehicle may require additional parts at an additional cost(head pipe or y pipe off the engine, catalytic converter, AIR tubes, etc). PARTS RUST OUT.

You say you would like to drive it for awhile yet but not put too much $ in. Then a good option for you may be to see if they offer a lower end warranted muffler at a reduced price. It would get the vehicle back to within city noise ordinance levels(i.e. a ticket may cost more than the repair and you still have to fix it). A small benefit is the gas mileage should improve slightly. Your friends won't jab you about it anymore. And we won't notice you when you drive by us as much. A couple of repairs is cheaper than buying a different vehicle that may need repairs also. So have it checked out and let us know how it comes out.

[LaVoi]

Thanks for the great reply, by the way it is a 2.9L V6 4WD short box. Everything past the muffler has fallen off, however the hangers are still in place. While we're at it let me ask this as well. It is now also making a squeaking noise, yes I know this could be anything but let me narrow it down a bit. You don't hear the squeak until the truck reaches about 20 mph, then as you progress in speed the squeak progresses as well. A year and a half ago everything was repaired in the rear end (drums, brakes). Last summer was the front ends turn, new brakes, calipers and rotors. So this tells me the squeak shouldn't be in the brakes. Any clue anyone. I know there are some mechanics on here that are great at troubleshooting, so let's hear it, what do you think is causing the squeak.

[JohnMickish]

A few years ago I took my 91 Explorer (very similar) to Exhaust Pros in Fargo for a complete exhaust. I drove away for under $200.

[SCHAAKATTACK]

Lavoi, Without actually being able to hear it there is a chance it could be the brakes. That is where I would start by process of elimination. Does it go away when you apply the brakes? You say it starts at 20mph and progresses from with speed so it is a rotational noise. Unfortunately new parts are not always as perfect as we would like them to be. I would check brake pad wear if they are not wearing evenly inboard pad versus outboard pad quite possibly a caliper is sticking or the caliper slides. may just be the wear indicators are bent in too close and making just enough conact. There is also the possibilty of a rotor being slighly warped causing the wear indicator contact. Another possibilty is a rust ridge on the rotor(s) making contact. All possibilities. With the dry weather now is a good time to get it checked because your vehicle shouldn't be snow packed. Most places that do exhaust repairs should be able to check that out for you also.

[Bobb-o]

had everything back of the headers put on my car and only cost me $185, this is at J. Brenna's in west st paul. great guy to deal with, amazing customer service. I think your squeak sounds like a wheel-bearing, that shouldnt cost you too much, you could prob even do it yourself as for most vehicles all you need is a breaker bar and a large socket.