The original muffler is just plain steel and over time will deteriote fast. As more humidity and rain as faster it will be gone... Original mufflers are quite expensive and as the original muffler isn’t the quietest one anyhow it’s worth to replace it with a cheaper but better solution. At the same time the exhaust pipe can be re-routed to a more convenient location.

Caution! Not in all countries it may be legal to replace the original muffler with something different even if it’s better!!!

 1-4: the original muffler

 1-4: the original muffler
 5: Support the heater when taking of the muffler
 6+7: Slice off the old flange

 8+9: Make “pants” and weld them to the old flange

 10+11: Trim the new muffler

 12: Position muffler and tack to “pants”
 13: Remove and complete muffler weld to “pants”
 14-16: Position exhaust pipe, tack then weld

 17: A good place for a hanger and rigid mount
 18: All done! High, dry and safe!
 The “crew” of AA Muffler & Brake Center 303-806-8634

Contributed by Patrick Robb, Cold War Remarketing

Alternative exhaust routing by Scott Simon:
 

Muffler replacement as done by Expedition Imports (as of 6/2004: ~$200 installed @ EI):

Have your muffler shop pick up a MBZ sedan mufler 2in, 1 out, mount it in the stock location. Run it up into the rear wheel well and mount a resonator (glasspack reversed) prior to the final bend out the back. Works like a charm. Quieter than stock. Added benefit the MBZ muffler saves you close to 4" of clearance. The muffler we use is a IMCO Model CM35.