In a message dated 10/13/02 10:45:21 PM, r2d2@ISLANDNET.COM writes:

<< new muffler installed.  No matter how he tried to
turn it, there was no way the mechanic could get it to hang low enough >>

The muffler flanges are hardly attached in a precise manner.  Even a little
variation in perpendicularity across the face of the flange can result in a
fair amount of slope along the run of the muffler.  And, of course, this will
vary from one muffler to the next.  That is why the fastener holes in the
brackets are oversized and will allow for a fair amount of adjustment.  To
plumb your muffler properly, you have to loosen the flared, beveled ring
fittings at either end of the j-pipe then adjust the muffler brackets to hold
the muffler parallel to the rear apron.  Once all is well in Mufflerland,
snug up all the fasteners.  If you bought an aftermarket muffler, you might
have to do some impromptu elongation of the bracket mounting holes in order
to compensate for the manufacturer's shoddy work.

George