I'm a newbie here, so if this question has arisen before, please be patient, I couldn't find it.
I have a 1999 Ram 2500 with the 5.9L Cummins, and the rear stock muffler flange rusted out. This muffler has the rear hanger welded on from the factory. I called Dodge and it's 300.00 for a OEM muffler, 25.00 for the front hanger, 6.00 rear the rear clamp. (331.00) and I'll still have a stock system being choked down to 3 1/2" at the tailpipe.
NAPA has a 100.00 aluminized muffler. but you have the buy the 77.00 aluminized rear pipe to get the hanger now.(208.00 w/front hanger/clamp) This does not factor in possible future failure of the resonator.
OK, the point is: after web shopping, I can get a MBRP (TRUE) 4" S/S exhaust system front to back for about 440.00.
OK, the question is: without a resonator will this system be much louder (interior & at the tailpipe) than stock? I don't want the interior much louder and in Joisey we have a wonderful State-run Inspection requirement every 2 years. They don't check diesel emissions (yet), but they can be tough on exhaust noise. I've watched them scratching their heads looking for the Catalytic Convertor with the mirror!!!
Also, has anyone had any experience with MBRP, Banks, Silverline, or Magnaflow systems liking or recommending one over another? Anything I need to know about removal of OEM system or new installations?
Thanks in advance............

 

NJ,
my son went thru the same as you.
he bought the complete, aluminized system from Summit racing for $300.00.
it still was 3 1/2" at the turbo, then opened to 4".
i never noticed any difference in the sound.
david

 

If your looking at possable engine upgrades in the future it would be good to go ahead and get a full 4 inch system. the benifit will be lower exhaust temps, and you will notice much better throttle responce.

all the aftermarket exhaust systems out there will keep engine noise inside the cab down, not as much as the stock does, however if you pull your windows down you will hear a difference.

 

Drew,
Any preference for manufacters? I will not be doing any other upgrades as of now. Also, at idle the noise level should not be much greater, correct. At inspection, they only really listen to the exhaust at ldle while checking your documents. And will a 8" muffler be much different from a 4" muffler in sound or performance. This truck runs strong and does everything I ask of it now, so performance is not really an issue here, it's a matter of a simple upgrade, while still staying NJ DMV compliant every 2 years.

 

they all will perform the same, some are louder than others, but it is also personal preference when it comes to noise. some guys think the stock exhaust is too loud, where as others who have straight piped it with 6 dual inch stacks running out of the bed say it isnt loud enough

there is usualy a good discussion on mufflers over at Diesel truck resource, or click on the TDR logo in my sig and hit up the forums as well. both places will give you a good idea as to what you are looking for.

 

Update: I installed a MBRP 4" stainless exhaust system yesterday in about 2 hours. Kit was complete, well made and easy to install. They even included new bolts for the Turbo flange. Does not sound much louder in the cab, but definetly is louder at the tailpipe. Response is good, power flows up quicker & smoother too.
Mileage currently is 20.5 after running with stock system minus the tailpipe for the last month, so I will see how much improvement I get.
Next question.....if I go with an aftermarket air filter or go for the whole new airbox OR new airbox AND intake tube kit will it be much louder and what will I really gain with a stock Cummins. I am not planning on doing any other mods to this engine. Thanks......

 

only thing you will notice is a louder turbo. granted the stock intake is restrictive so adding on an aftermarket system will only benifit you with slightly better flow to the turbo. dont expect any huge increase in performance or mileage.