I'm looking into getting a smaller muffler and having new pipes installed with it, to gain clearance at the muffler as well as at the pipe. My intention is to have nothing stick below the crossmember, and have the pipe not stick below the frame. My questions are:

1) How close to the heat shield above the muffler have you guys gotten without making a problem? Is 1/2" air above it enough?

2) What about the other side of the muffler, has anyone had a skid that also covers the muffler? Is 1/2" gap around the muffler enough at both the top and the bottom?

3) I've seen some pictures of peoples mufflers just having a tip coming out of them, which would release the exhaust in front of the rear axle. Isn't this dangerous? I would think the gasses would very likely find their way into the cabin when idling for any length of time.

Thanks in advance.

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2005 KJ Renegade
Fabrications for sale: Aluminum Roof Rack (See Page 9)
Aluminum Gas Tank Skid -- Radiator Skid -- Front Strut Shims
Coming Soon: Rear Bumpers with lots of options