LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Chevrolet >> 2003 >> Chevy Express H2500 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Mechanical >> Engine Exhaust System >> Repair Instructions >> Muffler Replacement >> Removal Procedure
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Removal Procedure

Important:  The muffler is serviced as one complete unit with an exhaust pipe and tail pipe. Some variations of vehicles may have an aftermarket tail pipe added. When the vehicle is raised on the hoist it must be raised by the frame to allow the rear axle to be lowered.

  1. Raise the vehicle.
  2. If equipped with 4.3L engine with a single catalytic converter pipe, remove the nuts retaining the catalytic converter pipe from the muffler flange.
    Fig 1: Removing Nuts Retaining Catalytic Converter Pipe To Muffler Flange (4.3L)
    G02080475Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. If equipped with a 4.8L/5.3L/6.0L engine with dual catalytic converter pipes, loosen the clamp for the right catalytic converter.
  4. Remove the nuts retaining the left catalytic converter to the muffler flange.
    Fig 2: Removing Right & Left Catalytic Converter (4.8L/5.3L/6.0L)
    G02080476Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  Depending on the wheel base of the vehicle and the length of the exhaust system the following procedures are required in order to remove the muffler assembly from the vehicle.

  5. Remove the muffler assembly hanger pins from the exhaust hanger insulators. Due to the weight of the exhaust system it may take 2 persons.
  6. Remove the muffler assembly by lifting over the rear axle and remove towards the front of the vehicle.
    Fig 3: Removing Muffler Assembly Hanger Pins From Exhaust Hanger Insulators
    G02080477Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.