Got it back from Rich's Performance Mufflers in Wiley Texas today. They had it for 3 weeks to install stainless, ceramic coated X pipes with a stock stainless muffler. I didn't want anything so loud I couldn't hear the radio or carry on a conversation while driving, ergo the stock muffler. I had some reservations that it might be too quiet since my son was lobbying for something with a distinct growl. When I picked it up the tone was subdued but with a deep hum, just right. It all worked out as my son said it sounded just like he wanted. Win,win.
I knew all along that the exhaust installation would be a test for how I had placed stuff on the frame. Several items that need changing: my right side emergency brake cable had to be lowered a bit, my Fram fuel filter will need to be raised a bit, and worst of all my tranny cooler was crushed months ago when we lowered the cab onto the frame. It had a slow drip that I assumed was a loose fitting. My Walker radiator has tranny cooler built in, however I chose to not use it for fear that the added heat would overheat the engine. However the engine has been running pretty cool so I am going to deep-six the remote cooler and run lines to the radiator.
More saga to come.

~Jim