 Try an offset box wrench like...  Try an offset box wrench like this to get in and snug the spark plugs down after the headers are on since there isn't a straight shot to each plug. |  Next, I took the truck down...  Next, I took the truck down to MagnaFlow in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, to install their new stainless crossmember-back exhaust system. |  Jimmy busted into the box...  Jimmy busted into the box quickly and got to work scoping the job out. The kit was designed on a longbed, so for this short box it'll be trimmed a little. |
 Check out the polished stainless...  Check out the polished stainless steel mufflers! My reflection in this one is a good indication of just how pretty they are. |  We're pretty much the first...  We're pretty much the first customers to get this kit for a shortbed, so Jimmy worked from the back to the front to make sure the right amount was cut off to fit. In the directions included with the kit, it shows all the stock holes that the new exhaust hangers bolt into and a layout of all the pieces. That's right, no drilling or welding to the frame needed for anything! |  The kit even comes with these...  The kit even comes with these heavy-duty stainless steel tube clamps that have Grade 8 hardware to cinch down on the pipes. |
 Jimmy gets the level out and...  Jimmy gets the level out and checks everything as he goes to make sure the new system is hanging where it's supposed to be. |  It never hurts to be well...  It never hurts to be well prepared. Jimmy busted out the protractor to gauge his cut for fitting the inlet tube to the Doug's headers. |  We didn't need all the pipe...  We didn't need all the pipe on the reducers that come with the headers, so they were trimmed down until there was about an inch left, which was plenty to weld the inlet pipe to. |
 With the reducers cut and...  With the reducers cut and about 6 inches off the front side of the stainless inlet pipe, this is how things come together--quite nicely! |  Jimmy fires up the Lincoln...  Jimmy fires up the Lincoln MIG welder and seals the deal, making sure the pipes are welded up all the way around. |  All the clamps are tightened...  All the clamps are tightened up and solid, but easily removable when the Tru-X crosspipe or polished sub mufflers need to come out. MagnaFlow recommends at least half an inch of clearance to any part of the suspension or sheetmetal to prevent heat-related damage to the truck. After it's all said and done, this Doug's Headers/MagnaFlow system on the dyno showed us a gain of 17 hp and 46 lb-ft of torque over the old custom setup in the truck--that's power to the ground, with the final numbers at 113 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. |