A muffler can be incorporated within a complete exhaust system replacement from the catalytic converter back, or it can be a stand-alone replacement from the axle back. Generally, all aftermarket exhaust and muffler solutions will still provide a slight increase in horsepower and torque, while also giving the system an overall deeper exhaust note. The differences in muffler construction and design can produce a large range in exhaust note and volume. These are among the most common options available for JK Wranglers.
Cat-Back exhaust system: Within a cat-back system, the full exhaust is replaced from the catalytic converters back. When this is done, typically the muffler size is significantly reduced or sometimes re-positioned. Primarily, this provides the Jeep with more ground clearance, especially during ascending and descending maneuvers. It also increases the overall sound of the exhaust.
Systems like the Magnaflow Rock Crawler are uniquely designed with ground clearance in mind. This system relocates the muffler to a mid-pipe location, further up on the exhaust, and it also drastically reduces the overall size of the muffler. This eliminates the large bulky and heavy factory muffler and positions it in an area that allows it to be neatly tucked in and away from possible damage from the terrain when off-roading. In addition, the system takes a more straight-through approach, with fewer bends, which provides an increase in horsepower and torque. The smaller mid-pipe muffler design also offers a distinct exhaust note that isn’t overpowering or droning inside the cabin of the Jeep.