2012 Mustang GT 5.0 Magnaflow Axle Back Install

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Installation

Here is my write up on how to install a Magnaflow 15593 Axle back exhaust on a new 5.0L Mustang. I thought that since the instructions provided from Magnaflow lack in detail, I would write this up.

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Required Tools:
1) Couple of prybars or screw drivers
2) 1/2 socket and rachet
3) Hammer
4) WD-40
5) Two people

Magnaflow 15593 Axle Back

Stock tips

Step 1: First off, I don't see any reason to jack the car up. I got a couple of pieces of cardboard to make it easy to slide under the car and prevent scratching the mirror finish on the new mufflers. Start by removing the 1/2 bolt holding the band clamp onto the engine side of the muffler. Completely remove the bolt and the two threaded barrels, but don’t misplace them because you will need them. You will notice that these band clamps are tack welded to the muffler inlet tube. (I took pictures of the clamp after I removed it from the car to make it easier to see.)

Step 2: Once you remove the bolt shake the muffler around to break the ball joint seal under the clamp. Have your helper push up on the mid pipe away from the muffler inlet tube. This may be difficult because the clamp can get hung up on the flange. It is easier if you carefully expand the band clamp (evenly as to keep the circle form). Really the best thing at this point would be to break or cut the band clamp retainer strap because the clamp gets in the way while attached to the muffler inlet tube. I was able to remove the muffler without cutting off the strap at this point by pulling down on the end of the clamp with the bolt holes. When I say down, I mean away from the seal. This will bend the strap and if you are not careful, you may bend it out of form causing an exhaust leak.

Step 3: Work the muffler out of the three hangers. Use WD-40 (or white lithium grease spray if you any) to lube up the hangers in the rubber holes. If you have the included straw it helps injecting it into the holes. First pop the anger out above the muffler tip. This is the easy one. Then push the entire muffler towards the front of the car. It helps to pull down at the same time and have your helper push the mid pipe up. At this point the band clamp will be a challenge. This is when bending down the band clamp is key to prying the axle back off.

Step 4: Now that both axle backs are removed you need to remove the band clamp from the stock exhaust if you haven’t already. I just bent it back and forth until it broke the strap, then I used the hammer to flatten the
sharp pieces sticking up. Now it is time to install the new aftermarket axle back. Slide the band clamps on the Magnaflow muffler inlet tubes at this point so that they will be in place when needed. When holding up the Magnaflow, make sure you get the hanger above the tip above rear bumper cover. Then just slide the hangers into the rubber mounts. Once you get the hangers in place assemble the band clamp and leave the bolt slightly loose.

Step 5: Ok, at this point everything should be bolted up and in place with the band clamp slightly loose. Now you need to adjust the muffler tips to make sure the alignment matches. Grab with both hands and shake the muffler back and forth to make sure it is seated properly. (See the picture below and make sure you install the bolt and barrells properly with the flat sides facing out.) Then while you have one person under the car tightening the bolt, align the tips and hold them in place. I used both hands and my fingers are a shim all around the tips to make sure the gap is the same all around the tips between the bumper. Once the bolt is tight, pull your hands out and see if it lines up. You may need to adjust it a few times until it sits right and make both tips match.

Notice below the size and weight difference in the mufflers. With the stock mufflers weighing in at 21.8lbs and the Magnaflows weighing in at 13.2lbs, swapping them out cut out 17.2lbs behind the axle.

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