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An excellent muffler boosts the performance of your truck while reducing fuel consumption
By Daniel Rika, Robert Kimathi
Updated on Mar 18, 2021 10:21 AM EDT
5 minute read
Best Overall
Flowmaster Super Muffler
Check Latest PriceBest Value
Thrush Turbo Muffler
Check Latest PriceHonorable Mention
MagnaFlow Exhaust Muffle
Check Latest PriceWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
A muffler is an integral part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. It boosts the performance of the truck’s engine system, saves fuel, and makes your truck sound better. Most pre-installed mufflers restrict the sound and hinder the performance of your system.
An after-market muffler can alter the performance in a positive way. Whether you want to replace yours or are making a simple modification to your vehicle, we have picked the best three options to fit your needs.
Benefits of Truck Mufflers
- Increased horsepower. Adding a new muffler to your truck can increase the total amount of horsepower from your engine. You can get a boost in power behind the wheel while at the same time increasing your overall performance as well.
- Enhanced airflow. A new muffler can boost your entire exhaust system. The component can eliminate backpressure and allow more air to travel through the system. This will increase your engine’s performance and can increase gas mileage.
- Improved sound. Swapping out your old muffler and exhaust pipes can drastically increase the amount of noise your car produces. If you drive a sporty truck and want to make an entrance, consider a muffler that adds a low grumble to your exhaust.
Types of Truck Mufflers
Straight-Through
A straight-through muffler is one designed out of sound-absorbing material. This material can be fiberglass or steel wool. As the name suggests, the system is a straight pipe that allows gasses to flow through it without being backed up or blocked. These are built more for performance trucks and tend to be louder.
Chambered
A chambered muffler produces a deep throaty rumble. They work by allowing gas to travel through a series of inner chambers that are designed to reverberate sound waves around. These are more equipped for street or muscle cars that want a more aggressive sound. You can change the sound by adjusting the size of the chambers.
Turbo
A turbo muffler is a combination of the other two previous choices. The way it works is by channeling gasses through S-shaped chambers. These tubes feature sound-deadening material that reduces the amount of noise that escapes the muffler. These tend to make less of a racket than other mufflers as well.
Top Brands
Flowmaster
Headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif., Flowmaster was founded in 1983. The company manufactures high-performance exhaust systems, mufflers, and accessories for cars, trucks, and SUVs. The company prides itself on its mufflers and its Flowmaster Super Muffler is one of the best on the market.
MagnaFlow
MagnaFlow was founded in 1981 and provides mufflers and other accessories for cars, trucks, SUVs, Jeeps, UTVs, ATVs, and motorcycles. It makes premium parts built to last. The company was named SEMA Manufacturer of the year in 2017. One of its best mufflers is the MagnaFlow Exhaust Muffler.
Thrush
Thrush was founded in 1966 and has been working on cars well before becoming a company. For the past 50 years, Thrush has created and designed mufflers for high-end sports cars, hot rods, and muscle cars. Consider its Thrush Turbo Muffler for your Mustang or Camaro.
Truck Mufflers Pricing
- $20-$50: This lower-end price range includes replacement mufflers that are easy to install. They may not be made out of the most durable material but will typically feature aluminized steel. They may not be as loud either.
- $50-$150: The middle-end price range will see mufflers built with more aggressive sounds. They will also be developed out or sturdier materials such as stainless steel.
- $150-$300: When you reach the higher end echelon of mufflers, you’ll find more premium brands. They will come with reduced interior resonance, can boost your overall engine performance, and can be quite loud.
Key Features
Sound
When it comes to mufflers, it is mainly all about how they sound. The overall noise of the muffler depends on its design. For a louder tone, consider a glass-packed or straight-through model. Those who prefer a quieter and more luxurious noise should go for either a chambered option or a turbo.
Fit
The fit of a muffler is important as well as they are not all designed to be universal. If you want to be certain a muffler will fit your system, you should check online first. Many sites will allow you to put in your vehicle’s make and model to see if the muffler is compatible. Also, note whether your truck has a single or dual exhaust system.
Other Considerations
- Laws. You need to check to see if your town or city has noise pollution laws. If you get a muffler that is too loud, you could get a ticket and be left with a hefty fine.
- Material. Mufflers are put under a lot of stress and pressure on a day to day basis, so it is imperative they are made out of reliable materials. The most common, and cheapest, the choice is steel. Mufflers can be made out of either aluminized steel or stainless steel. Aluminized is the cheapest of the two choices, however, it tends to be more prone to corrosion. If you live in a particularly rainy area, you may want to consider a stainless steel muffler.
Best Truck Mufflers Reviews & Recommendations 2021
Best Overall
Flowmaster Super Muffler
Best Value
u003cstrongu003eThrush Turbo Muffleru003c/strongu003e
Honorable Mention
u003cstrongu003eMagnaFlow Exhaust Muffleru003c/strongu003e
Best Looking
MegaBrand N1 Burnt Tip Muffler
Best Budget Friendly
Walker Economy Pro-Fit Universal Muffler
Loudest Truck Muffler
Flowmaster Flow Fx Muffler
Best Sounding
Flowmaster Super 44 Muffler
Best Dual
Flowmaster Exhaust Muffler
Tips
- Before deciding which muffler to buy, consider the type of truck you own, the money you are willing to spend, and the kind of sound you are craving.
- Think about the material and the finish of the muffler you want to purchase to ensure it will both last a long time and enhance the look of your truck.
- If you live in a rainy or cold area, consider steel mufflers. They resist corrosion better than their aluminum counterparts.
- There are three types of mufflers: glasspack, turbo, and chambered. Glasspack is the loudest, and you should check the noise pollution laws in your state before buying one.
FAQs
Q:How does a glasspack muffler work?
A glasspack muffler works by using a material that absorbs all the sound produced by the engine. This ensures the pressure of the sound waves is dissipated through a sleeve of glass, thus reducing backpressure.
Q:Do I need a muffler for my truck?
Yes, you need a muffler to boost the performance of your engine and to reduce fuel consumption, especially during long-distance drives.
Q: What is the best muffler for my truck?
If you’re choosing between the different types of mufflers, glass pack mufflers are the best, especially for an off-road ride.
Final Thoughts
The Flowmaster Super Muffler is our top pick. It is durable and increases the performance of your truck while emitting a deep, aggressive exhaust note.
However, if you need something more budget-friendly that will still improve the performance of your engine, then we recommend the Thrush Turbo Muffler.
