Well I got my new exhaust in, it's all brand new header pipe, center muffler and rear muffler. But dog gone it, the rear muffler pipe hits the trailer hitch! I tried moving everything towards the engine as much as possible. I even ended up bringing it to my Indy, he got it a little further up but it still barely clears it and rubs some of the time.

Does anyone have an idea what to do? Could I wrap the hitch in a rubber pipe so when it hits it's more subtle? It doesn't always it, but when coming to a stop it sometimes does and makes an annoying noise. Not sure what to do, any advice or ideas appreciated! Thanks

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1983 300TD - 202k with 5 speed Getrag conversion

Could take a rubber fernco plumbing coupler of the right size and split it down the center, wrap over the hitch, then clamp. Bet that would solve it.

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Or an old bit of heater/radiator hose should be fine. Might need to renew it occasionally if it wears through.

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DrDKW

I would either wrap the hitch with old rubber, or heat & bend the exhaust pipe. You will probably have to bend it down some to clear the body.

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$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
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No merc at the moment

Other threads on here about the same issue. I think the Fernco fitting or a piece of tire inner tube should work.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

The idea is for it not to touch to begin with, not keep it from rattling if it does. To that end, you can either heat (and by heat, I mean red hot all the way around) the tailpipe and bend it forward, or put a flat spot where it comes close to the hitch, which doesn't involve heat. Did the original muffler hit?

You could cut the exhaust pipe in front of the rear muffler and cut a small section out. Re-install with a union that still allows one inch or so less total length and then you'll have another inch to spare in clearing the trailer hitch. You'll have to deal with the muffler being an inch or so forward- so perhaps you'd have issues with the muffler hangers- but I think you can solve that.

Fantastic ideas, thanks guys! Yes the original MB muffler did hit, but by the time I had gotten it there was a big rust hole where it did hit.

I think I'll try one of these remedies this weekend and will post the results.

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1983 300TD - 202k with 5 speed Getrag conversion

Suggest temporarily lowering the muffler off the hangers, down far enough to get a few hits on the pipe with a hammer. Make a dimple or dent at the exact spot where it's hitting. Then add some alumium paint to help prevent rusting.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Solved! I went with the Fernco plumbing connector suggestion, $3 and now no rattles at all! I didn't attempt any of the bending as I don't have a good torch and for me this was the simplest. Thanks for all the great suggestions!

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1983 300TD - 202k with 5 speed Getrag conversion