Muffler is rattling and it leaks, so I need a new muffler. I will opt to a complete new post-cat system, since it is well corroded overall. Is the Bosal kit to recommend? Does anyone use it and how long will it last? Current system is the factory and it lasted almost 20 years. Other option is the more expensive genuine LR (but currently not available). Does it make sense to wait on the genuine?

 

Bosal is great for a couple years. They are thin and will rust out quickly. I've bought them for old BMWs for many years. Painting them with high heat paint prior to install (and ideally regularly) will help somewhat but at the end of the day I can tell you from experience that they are not designed to be long life. I don't know that the factory LR system costs but compared to a $2,500 BMW catback (that lasts 30 years), for a couple hundred bucks a Bosal will give you a few years service. I think one of the trucks I bought recently had a Walker catback. Hopefully that helps you make a decision.

 

This is one place I really just recommend folks find a local shop. Mom and pop exhaust shops are usually pretty reasonably priced. Complete exhaust systems I've had done have usually been in the $125-150 ballpark if I supply the muffler and don't need catalytic converters (pre-smog or exempt). If the muffler shop supplies a muffler it's generally an extra $65 to $95. Catalytic converters can be a bit pricy, but if you need them then they can be had on eBay for under $70/set so you can supply your own.

If all you need is a cat back, then you should be able to get it for $175-200 out the door including a muffler, and you don't have to do the work yourself.

 

Pending state you can't supply you're own cats or that's been my experience in the Denver area...

 

Wonder if that's a shop by shop policy for liability mitigation? Seems to me as long as they have DOT numbers, or whatever extra requirement a state has, then should be no issue with carry ins.

 

I checked other forums and users state that they don't last very long. My muffler is still the original one from 2004 and I tend to buy a genuine LR muffler, since they are stainless steel and not that more expensive than the Bosal. I hope they are back in stock soon.

I am doing it myself. Shops here have hourly rates of $200 plus taxes and fees plus taxes on income I pay in order to pay the shop. I don't mind working a whole day under the car, but that shouldn't even take that long. In meantime I need to find a quick fix, since the muffler got completely separated from the pipe.

 

If you have some pipe still attached to the muffler, you can maybe get away with something like a slip on exhaust clamp

 

Keeping the muffler attached to the pipe while waiting on the new muffler. No more rattling for now:

 

nicely Macgyvered!

Edit: though, i would still have some worries about exhaust leaking and possibly going places it shouldn't.

 

If that's all LR equipment why not have a shop weld that together? Even in Kalifornia that should be too expensive.