Stock Crossmember with Aftermarket Exhaust

[SCOTT57RT]

I put a Magnaflow Exhaust system on my Charger. While the instructions didn't specifically say to do it, we left the stock crossmember on. {The crossmember was a mount for the big stock suitcase} The guy that was helping me install it said he thought the crossmember might be there for extra rigidity. We had to add some spacers so it would hang down over the exhaust pipes. Apparently we didn't add enough because my exhaust still hits the crossmember when I hit big bumps in the road (usually when I'm on the interstate going about 90). Is it really better to keep the crossmsmeber on, or does it matter? I find it hard to believe that the crossmember will really do that much. I'd like to just take it off.

Thanks!

[JonzMgnm]

Scott, all you have to do is loosen up the exhaust system clamps, place a 1" block of wood on top of the crossmember, re-tighten all the clamps, and remove the block of wood. That will ensure enough clearance. Good luck, friend!

[bipto]

Scott, all you have to do is loosen up the exhaust system clamps, place a 1" block of wood on top of the crossmember, re-tighten all the clamps, and remove the block of wood. That will ensure enough clearance. Good luck, friend!

What ^^ he ^^ said!

Believe it or not, this is pretty hotly debated topic. The wood trick is easy and based on feedback here, I believe it works in most cases. If it doesn't, I don't believe that removing the cross member is going to compromise the structural integrity of the car...

[risky]

What he said two posts up or just keep adding washers as spacers..

[boggart]

If you keep spacing it, you may as well take it off. However, do like Bipto said. It'll all be good.

[Super T]

Yes, scrap the spacers, just tighten all the clamps while you have a block of wood between the pipes and the brace. Problem solved (the right way!)

[Big Boy]

A. JBA exhaust installed. Installer left out the cross member, said it wouldn't fit.
B. Second trip back, told installer it would fit. They installed the cross member and the exhaust hit the cross member during acceleration.
C. Third trip to installer, told installer about the piece of wood trick. Done and no problems since. Not even the dreaded drone.