Can someone tell me why the factory exhaust hangs so low on the 4G? It’s obnoxiously low, haha.
Not only does it not look great, but if you take your truck on anything more than a graded forest road – you will smash your tailpipe, guaranteed. The first larger rock or tree stump will break it. And it might hit the body, causing more damage.
Sure, you could just cut the end off. Some people do that. But given the price point and ease of install for the SXTH Element Off-Road Trail Pipe, this is a much cleaner and easier option.
Let’s take a closer look.
Check out my YouTube video! Also embedded at the end of this post.
Table Of Contents
Clearance Issues Addressed
I get that not everyone is going to wheel their truck, but the factory tailpipe is a bit of an eyesore. You might disagree, but I think when you look at the before and after there’s no question it looks cleaner without it.
Above you can see the end of the factory exhaust. It would be better if they found a cleaner way to route everything, but this is what we’re dealing with. And it’s not a big deal since it’s a relatively easy fix.
Ask anyone who has done any sort of wheeling or overlanding and they’ll tell you the rear end takes a good amount of hits and taps. It’s only a matter of time. You can either cut it (you’ll need tools and patience for a clean cut) or just remove a few feet exhaust and cap it with the Trail Pipe, which ends right after the muffler.
Features & Specs
- significantly improves clearance
- tig welded, 304 stainless steel
- brushed finish
- slightly more deeper/throaty sound (tasteful and minimal)
- no cutting needed, bolt-on
- simple installation
- improves departure angle
- works on all 4th Gen Tacomas
Install Overview
Installing one of these is super simple. Two nuts near the muffler, and two pins to slide out of the exhaust hangers. Replace with Trail Pipe and you’re done!
Comparison To OEM
For a side by side, just look at the amount of metal and tubing you’re able to remove. While not hugely significant, you also save some weight. Less rusting metal, more clearance, and more room to work under the rear end. You really have all the room ever when you remove the factory spare like I did too.
Before
Booo. Ugly, haha.
After
So clean!
Performance & Impressions
This isn’t a mod to give you more power. The main function is to remove low hanging metal for a better departure angle. No changes in MPG either.
Off-road, the benefit is clear to see. No worrying about hitting the old tailpipe on on obstacle.
Durability and corrosion wise, this pipe is superior to the factory setup because of it’s stainless construction.
Sound & Daily Driving
In general, it is also not meant to dramatically change the sound of your exhaust. A 4-cylinder is tough to make sound good. But somewhat surprisingly, the exhaust note without the tubing and resonator (I think that’s what it’s called) at the end does give you a slightly deeper and more aggressive sound. It’s not super noticeable, and you only really notice it on colder starts, low speeds around the neighborhood, and maybe a slight difference while driving. There is zero drone.
I usually stay away from changing my exhaust unless it’s a bigger motor, but this setup does have the perfect subtle note to it. I have audio clips in the linked YouTube video.
Any Concerns?
I have seen some people ask if there are any negatives. Mainly with routing the end of the exhaust under the truck for carbon monoxide exposure.
While this is a good question to ask, you shouldn’t be concerned. The dump ends under the bed, not under the cab. So the fumes are not pooling underneath you cabin and potentially getting inside. There have been no reports of any problems like this and I’ve never smelled anything in the cab.
Final Thoughts
An easy mod that makes a good impact on the way your truck looks, and even how it sounds. I’ve been really happy with SXTH products, and the same goes for this latest one. Good job guys.
Let me know if you have any questions!
