Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Savana Special, 2003 GMC Savana Camper Special, 2003 GMC Savana, 2003 Chevrolet RV Cutaway, and 2003 Chevrolet Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Important: The muffler is serviced as one complete unit with an exhaust pipe and tail pipe. Some variations of vehicles may have an aftermarket tail pipe added. When the vehicle is raised on the hoist it must be raised by the frame to allow the rear axle to be lowered.

Raise the vehicle.
If equipped with 4.3L engine with a single catalytic converter pipe, remove the nuts retaining the catalytic converter pipe from the muffler flange.

Fig 1: Removing Nuts Retaining Catalytic Converter Pipe To Muffler Flange (4.3L)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
If equipped with a 4.8L/5.3L/6.0L engine with dual catalytic converter pipes, loosen the clamp for the right catalytic converter.
Remove the nuts retaining the left catalytic converter to the muffler flange.

Fig 2: Removing Right & Left Catalytic Converter (4.8L/5.3L/6.0L)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Depending on the wheel base of the vehicle and the length of the exhaust system the following procedures are required in order to remove the muffler assembly from the vehicle.
Remove the muffler assembly hanger pins from the exhaust hanger insulators. Due to the weight of the exhaust system it may take 2 persons.
Remove the muffler assembly by lifting over the rear axle and remove towards the front of the vehicle.

Fig 3: Removing Muffler Assembly Hanger Pins From Exhaust Hanger Insulators
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.