Exaust problem

[SparkyOne23]

1996 Dodge Ram 1500. 3.9l v6, 5 speed manual.


After weeks of struggling to get this damn truck running well, I finally figured out that all of my problems(stalling, backfiring, etc) occurred when the truck was low on fuel. Either the gauge is off, or more likely there is trash in the tank. As long as I keep it above an 1/8th it runs like a dream.


The problem I have currently is that like a ******* I didn't get fuel before coming home the other day, and when I left out climbing a steep hill, the tank dipped well below 1/8th and the truck immediately started backfiring and stalling again. Before I could get to the gas station I had a very big backfire underneath, and my truck got very loud suddenly! Needless to say my muffler is damaged, visually it looks like someone took a can opener to the back side.

My question today though is concerning the replacement. The muffler was stock(reasonably quiet), the replacement mufflers I have seen all seem to focus on performance, sound, etc. I have no need in a loud exhaust, all I want is a quiet replacement. Does anyone know of something like that?

Also replacement is not an option at the moment, payday is Friday though, until then should it be ok to use muffler repair tape and a hammer to temporarily seal the muffler so I can enjoy driving it still?

 

[ColemaNation747]

Any 3 chambered muffler should be pretty quiet. You can always try Walker mufflers, they are reasonably priced and can be quiet.

 

[Casper]

Universal fit or generic OEM muffler replacements are avaialble through auto parts stores and muffler shops. They wont help perfromance, but probably wont be any worse than the origianal that blew up.
With a V-6 you're smart not to get too hot rod, straight flow mufflers in single exhaust sytems on a V-6's tend to sound like an old mail truck. Better not to hear any exhaust sound than to sound like Cliff Clavin bringing the day's junk mail.

A Freudian Slip:
"Why, it's when you say one thing when you're actually thinking about a mother."
CLIFF CLAVIN Cheers