When Ford Ranger owners are looking to improve their vehicle’s performance, upgrading the exhaust system is on top of the list of improvements they can make. Although there are many different types of aftermarket exhaust systems available (with their own advantages and disadvantages), the main factor to consider when buying an aftermarket Ford Ranger exhaust is whether you want a single or a dual exhaust system. But before I start listing the differences between single and dual exhaust systems, let’s discuss how exhaust systems function and how an aftermarket system can improve your engine’s performance.
Your Ranger’s engine produces power through a process known as combustion. The combustion process involves fuel burning with the help of oxygen. This results in the production of exhaust gasses which need to leave the system into the atmosphere. So basically, the exhaust system is the pathway for these gasses to leave your Ford Ranger. First, the gasses are sucked into the manifold or headers, then they’re sent to the catalytic converter to be broken down into less toxic gasses, and finally, they pass through the muffler which quiets the sound produced by the engine by reflecting the sound waves and canceling them out.
The difference between stock and aftermarket Ford Ranger exhaust systems is in the diameter of the pipes used, the materials the system is made of, and the bending technique used on the tubes. Aftermarket exhausts feature wider diameter pipes, which allow the engine to breathe easier, and the pipes and tubes are bent using mandrel bending as opposed to crush bending. Crush bending technology is simple and affordable, which is why most vehicle manufacturers use it.
Furthermore, aftermarket exhaust systems are made of higher-grade materials like stainless and aluminised steel, whereas stock exhaust systems are made of mild steel. Stainless and aluminised steel are much more durable than mild steel, and they have stronger impact-, corrosion-, and vibration-resistant properties, and perform better under extreme heat. All of this makes aftermarket exhaust systems one of the most sought-after upgrades for many Ford Ranger owners.
As aforementioned, aftermarket exhausts can be single and dual systems. While both systems provide advantages over stock exhaust systems, there are a couple of differences between the two. Single exhaust systems are usually more affordable, provide higher gas velocity, are lighter in weight, and are extremely efficient. On the other hand, dual exhaust systems improve exhaust flow significantly, provide more performance and mileage gains, reduce backpressure and give your Ranger a more aggressive look.
