Having said that, if you want to free your Hilux of these restrictions, you’re probably considering an aftermarket exhaust. Not sold on the idea? Here are all the ways aftermarket Hilux exhaust systems will improve performance and fuel economy.

Superior Materials

As aforementioned, stock exhaust systems are typically made of inferior-quality materials, such as mild steel. While mild steel is good enough for the average driver, off-roaders and those looking to squeeze the most power and mileage out of their vehicles need something more. That being said, aftermarket exhaust systems are made of quality-grade stainless or aluminised steel.

Aluminised steel exhausts are lightweight, yet durable and resistant to corrosion and rust. As a result, you get better fuel efficiency and a lower overall GVM. Stainless steel exhausts, on the other hand, are heavier, but they’re extremely durable. Most manufacturers place a lifetime guarantee on their stainless steel exhausts. There are different grades of stainless steel, such as T409 and T304. The difference between them is the amount of chromium and nickel present. 

Superior Bending Techniques

Stock exhaust systems are manufactured using wrinkled or crush bending. These bending techniques are economical and simpler, making them the go-to choice for most vehicle manufacturers. They involve using a radius die and backing shoes, without a supporting mandrel. As a result, you get a functional, but depressed bend that restricts airflow. 

On the other hand, mandrel bending makes for far smoother bends, and virtually uninterrupted exhaust pipes that are free of creases and kinks. This is the result of the mandrel that’s being implemented inside the pipe as it’s sent through the die and shoe. The mandrel supports the walls, resulting in bends free of any diameter changes. The mandrel is generally lubricated using lithium grease to provide smoother gliding action. However, just because a mandrel supports the inside of the pipe, it doesn’t mean that it won’t experience slight deformities inside the bend.

The mandrels are made up of a series of rounded radius-faced balls secured together using a flexible cable. The balls are generally made of brass and can flex and follow the bend radius, supporting the pipe’s interior walls throughout the entire bending process. The number of balls and their width will have an impact on the final appearance of the pipes. 

Larger Diameter Pipes

Aftermarket exhaust systems typically come with pipes that are considerably larger in diameter. As a result, you get improved airflow of clean, cool air inside the engine, and emissions leave the system faster. Think of aftermarket exhaust systems as a 4-lane highway, whereas stock exhausts only have 2 lanes. Traffic will be much smoother on 4 lanes during peak hours.

However, larger diameter pipes aren’t better by default. If the pipes are too big for your engine, you might get a negative impact instead. For instance, V-8 engines will generally require pipes of 2.5- to 3.5-inches. If the pipes are larger, you’ll lose one exhaust velocity and your low- and mid-range power will suffer in the process. The diameter of pipes always refers to the pipe’s outer diameter. That being said, expect the inner diameter to be always slightly smaller.

Pipe Shape

Although the majority of the pipes are round, they don’t have to be. There are specialty dies that allow for the creation of oval pipes. But why should you even consider oval pipes? Well, firstly, oval-shaped pipes are useful when you have clearance issues. Oval pipes can have the same cross-section volume as round pipes, but they’re narrower on the plane, providing extra ground clearance on vehicles with low ground clearance. This allows the same amount of flow, while ensuring a more compact installation. 

Conclusion

Aftermarket Hilux exhaust systems are the best money-for-value upgrade you can make on your Hilux. It provides a tonne of benefits, and is relatively straightforward to install. While most people aren’t too keen on installing aftermarket exhaust themselves, it’s certainly something a skilful handyman can do on a Sunday afternoon. Aftermarket exhausts are made using superior materials, and feature superior bends, as well as larger diameter pipes, all of which allow for better airflow of the exhaust gases. As a result, you get a considerable improvement in performance, and fuel saving benefits.

The post Ways Aftermarket Hilux Exhaust Systems Upgrade Engine Performance appeared first on Ways To.

However, same as any other car, it can do well with a bit of maintenance every now and then, more so because of its capability of going through the toughest of terrains. You have to pay particular attention to the smallest of bits and pieces, as they go through considerable wear and tear, and they do carry quite the responsibility.

Such is the case with the bits that control the wheels, known as the control arms and bushings. If you need replacement, you can find a great deal of options of Hilux control arms and bushings, made of quality materials so that they serve you for a long time.

If you’re up for a DIY project, and being your own mechanic, so you both have fun and get to save on some money, you’d be pleased to know you wouldn’t have much of a trouble in the Hilux control arms bushing replacement. All you have to do is carry out frequent check-ups and pay attention to anything out of the usual.

As the bits that control the wheel movement, up and down, preventing it from moving forward or backward, they go through wear and tear due to the weather conditions, and heat, and if not checked and replaced on time, they can give you some unusual handling issues, improper steering, as well as tyre wear.

You can check by grabbing the steering wheel, and turning it all the way to the right. If you hear any noise, it’s time to do some inspection. Then repeat the same by turning the steering wheel all the way to the left.

Of course, you have to do all this by primarily blocking the rear wheels, and applying the brake. If there happens to be bushing that appears to be out of place, is split, has oil saturation, or makes the control arm move as you try to push it in and pull it out, it needs to be replaced. The same goes both for upper and lower bushings.

In case they do need replacing, you’d have to first remove the control arms to be able to replace them. As the arms are connected with bolts, first remove the bolts, then remove the control arms, remove the old bushings by drilling into them, then install the new bushings into the control arms by getting a bit of help by lubricating the bushings well, then fit the control arms back into the brackets, fit the bolts back as well, and tighten.

The post The Way to Look Into Toyota Hilux Control Arm Bushings appeared first on Ways To.