Thought I’d throw this out there for anyone looking for cat back alternatives and not wanting to spend $600 or more for a name brand stainless system. Sure you can just do a muffler swap or delete for much cheaper. My only issue with that is the factory pipe size on the 5.3s is 2.75” diameter so you’ll either have to use reducers or have someone weld it in place with a 3” or 2.5” muffler.
I’m running a 3” Dynomax intermediate pipe and tailpipe. These are both direct fit on the 2014-2018 crew cab shortbed trucks and will use all factory exhaust hangers. Not sure on the double cab or standard bed. I’m currently running a Borla extension pipe, 19” Borla ProXs muffler, and an old Corsa pro series tip. The system is all clamped so I’m able to swap mufflers if I get tired of one and want to try something else. You may need to cut the extension pipe depending on the muffler length you decide to run just know you should have roughly a 30”-32” spread between the intermediate pipe and tailpipe. I have Texas Speed longtubes and catted Y pipe but this should bolt up to the factory y pipe.
With all of this including clamps and depending on your choice of muffler and tip, you should have less then $400 in a full stainless catback.
The Dynomax pipes are both 409 stainless steel and run around $100 each. Here are the part numbers
Dynomax intermediate pipe (pn 55608)
Dynomax tailpipe (pn 54704)
Borla 3” Ext pipe 304 stainless
choose one ($50-$65 each)
(Part number includes 1 clamp)
(pn 60564) 21” length
(pn 60556) 15” length
(pn 60554) 11” length
You’ll need to order 3 clamps if you decide not to have it welded. Hope this helps someone out.