Why is it my 00 Dakota 5.9 quad 4x4 muffler rusts out? Going on 3rd muffler/exhaust in 5 years! I don't do any off road, always keep it clean, well maintained. Local shop hits me up for $350 each time! I do notice slight drips of water coming out of tail pipes esp. when not driven for couple days. Is something causing condensation build up, which is leading to the rusting from inside out? Should I go for a better exhaust system, and if so, any recommendations? Thanks guys!

 

Any new muffler should be stainless steel they don't rust most aftermarket mufflers are SS I would stick with a known brand

The Stock muffler were known on these trucks to hold moisture inside them the way they were made

Just be careful as most aftermarket mufflers are louder than stock you can choose the noise level you want usually ask questions at whatever shop you go to about the noise level always remember if they say its quiet get a second opinion there are numerous you tube videos of mufflers on the Dakota so you can listen to how it sounds just check to see if its a V6 or V8 on them.

 

2000 Dodge Dakota 5.9 exhaust 40 series Flowmaster muffler

 

for every gal of gas that burns it makes allmost 1 gal of water. h2o mix at high heat with air aka oxygen. the oxygen combines with hydrogen to make water. you didnt think the air alone had that much water did you?

 

if you're only driving short distances it doesn't get hot enough to burn off any moisture!!

 

yes
modlite52 is so right. the acid we so fear in oil is water base. a compleat heating on each run is what you need. have seen interesting charts on this, as to engine life.

 

I would say that your driving habits & distance is not long enough. It also maybe the type of gas that you are using.. More so the distance that you drive. I have a '97 Dakota with a 3.7 with 125000 & it has the same muffler on it. Not a lot of around the corner trips. Less than a couple of miles.... Good luck...