Truck Stack Questions - x2

[ptgb]

While down for winter, one of the projects on the list is truck stacks. Read up on them, seems pretty simple, but I have a few questions...

First, I have the back wheel off for polishing and tire change. With no wheel on, would this give me access to the retention plates on mufflers to knock/grind them off? What I am thinking is that without the rear wheel, would I be able to get the stacks on without taking the exhaust off? Anyone done it this way?

Second, it seems the best source for the stacks seems to be http://www.airflo.com/valkyrie.html as they specifically cater to Valkyrie. The only problem is the 4" X 36" (straight cut) ones that I want are on backorder (and have been for some time). What are some other sources for the 4x36 stacks? Seems like all the other sites cater to the diesel pickup truck crowd and only sell bigger pipes.

[Quicksilver]

I bought truck stacks from airflow recently, made for the Valkyrie. They were on backorder too when I ordered them. It took about a month for a new shipment to come in. I had my exhaust off anyway so I can't say about leaving them attached. There were a couple of bumps on the exhaust that I had to smooth down. i think the spots where the interior baffles are secured have raised heads. In any case after cutting the slot they slid right on no problem. As a matter of fact I'm concerned that it was too easy and may need to spot weld them in the spring if they don't stay tight. I used wd40 as a lubricant and I expect they'll smell a bit until I heat them up. I did bring the stacks from inside the house and installed them on the mufflers when it was well below 0 so the temperature diffrence may have made life easier for me.

[fudgie]

It would be far easier to take the entire exh system off. It is alot easier to grind all the little tits and welds off with it off the bike. Make sure you install new ex gaskets. Caroline bike/trike has them and are good ones. I used vasoline to get mine on. From what I read it would be a bear to put them on so I lubed it up really good. Still smelled vas for a month. They go on easy if you pile drive them. Not sure if I would while on the bike. Mine do come loose. I have about a 1/4" gap after trips so I pound them on. I'm gonna run a screw to help with that. Also if your gonna modify the exhaust, do it now. I cut off 3"-4" off the entire system and sound great. A little louder but I'm young.  Might do more this spring.
Try some local semi places. You should find some there. Or search online. I remember seeing some before.

[PharmBoy]

The truck stacks from Airflow made especially for the Valkyrie have a much better chrome finish than the average truck stack.  I know of one person who has installed truck stacks while the mufflers remained on the bike.  I prefer to remove the mufflers.  The reason being that I can check for high spots much better and grind them down much easier.  I cannot imagine trying to remove a truck stack from a muffler after it has been pounded down to where it will go no farther.  You only get one chance to get it on all the way.  Also, I prefer using dish washing liquid such as Dawn (cut 50/50 with water) as a lubricant.  It will stay slick plenty long enough to slide the truck stack over the muffler and there is no odor and no chance of an internal fire such as with oil based lubricants.  You might find other helpful information by doing a search on "Tech Board > 4" Airflow stack installation"...JTL

[junior]

anyone ever try tire soap as a lube for truck stacks?

[hubcapsc]

Also, I prefer using dish washing liquid such as Dawn (cut 50/50 with water) as a lubricant.  It will stay slick plenty long enough to slide the truck stack over the muffler and there is no odor and no chance of an internal fire such as with oil based lubricants.  

I used to use Dawn to lubricate new knobby tires during installation. Till once (maybe I was careless about
how much I used or something...) when it came time for a new knobbie and the old was, like, glued on,
and the rim was all corroded.  WD40 is so flammable it can be used as a starting fluid, but
I bet there's nothing much left to burn after it "evaporates"... just thinking out loud... never installed truck stacks...

-Mike

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I have Mack Truck stacks on a set I have . Mack trucks use the 4 inch OD for their trucks. We have a bone yard at work with Mack trucks that's been sitting there for years these stacks has'nt seen soap and water in years let alone any wax and the chrome still shines with no rust.I bought mine in the late 90's and they was around $150.00 out the door for (2) straight cut 36 inch.I used a bar of soap to make them slid on easier . You might be able to get them on while still on the bike but I'd just take them off to install you run the risk  to fubar the gaskets or header bolts beating them on while still on the bike...IMO

[bigdog99]

4x18 fit right to the collector. just took off stock tips and had to drill holes. turn outs, or turn downs