Removal Procedure

CAUTION: Refer to Protective Goggles and Gloves Caution in Cautions and Notices.

CAUTION: Refer to Exhaust Service Caution in Cautions and Notices.

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. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

Fig 1: View Of Catalytic Converter Pipe At Muffler (4.3L)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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 2: View Of Exhaust Pipe & Catalytic Converter Pipe

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.

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.

Fig 3: View Of Muffler Assembly Hanger Pins

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the muffler assembly hanger pins from the exhaust hanger insulators. Due to the weight of the exhaust system it may take 2 people.
Remove the muffler assembly by lifting over the rear axle and remove towards the front of the vehicle.