FC exhaust system repair - 1985 FC 33'

I had to replace a segment of the exhaust system, specifically the exhaust tube 
from the bellows to the muffler and also replace the OEM muffler.  The actual 
job took about 4 hours.... finding the right parts took 3 weeks.... so perhaps 
you may find this useful:  

BB part numbers as a reference: exhaust pipe is 1029248; muffler is 1033588. 
Parts were not in stock at BB.  BB parts said to obtain via special order would 
be expensive. No other exact replacements were found from various sources.

Replacement parts used: 

Muffler: I used a Magnaflow diesel muffler with 4inch inlets, centered on a 7 
inch round body 30 inches long. This is avail in stainless steel (#14772) or 
Alum.   This unit fits with about 1.5" clearance to the waste tanks.  This is a 
much less restrictive muffler than the OEM.  Size and weight were easy to work 
with and the quality is excellent.

Exhaust Pipe: I found Auto-Jet had a great on line site with detailed 
information.  Additionally, they were easy to work with and to get the right 
parts, I had to guess and then return some unused parts which they refunded less 
a reasonable re-stocking fee.

I used Auto-Jet part #BB20A which exits after the bellows at 3.5", makes a 
transition to 4", around the front air bags and runs to the area of the front 
axle. This part was trimmed about 1.5" at the bellows end to reduce length.  
Part #BDFOA runs from the above segment to the muffler...again, this part was 
trimmed about 1.5+ for length fit at the point of entry into the new muffler.  
Finally, the OEM exhaust pipe just after the OEM muffler is cut about 2" back 
for additional clearance.   

Installation Notes: Front pipe now closer to front universal drive shaft joint, 
about 3/4 inch clearance, than OEM, but no problems experienced in driving.  
These parts required no bending or welding for fitting.   I was able to reuse 
the OEM exhaust hangers - only needed to replace the bolts.  The OEM setup has 3 
band clamps, this requires 4, I used SS band clamps from NAPA.  In looking 
around the area near the bellows pipe, there clearly has been long term high 
heat exposure to the near by air lines/wires...I suggest doing a thermal wrap 
from bellows to the second bend away from the front air bags.  

The sound from this set up is pleasing slightly deeper tone than the OEM set up, 
but this rig is not really much louder IMO.   Also, my personal observation is 
that the engine does rev up a faster with this set up, and there is better 
"felt" acceleration.  If you held me to a SWAG number, I'd say this will give 
you a 5-10% gain in "go". 

Frank; 85FC33; Woodbridge, VA.