How to Install a 2011-2014 Mustang Roush Axle-Back Exhaust

Roush Axle-Back Installation For 11-14 GTs

If you’re like most Mustang owners out there, you can probably agree that the factory exhaust found on the 2011-2014 Mustang GT is soft, restrictive and lacks the volume to match the powerful Coyote V8 Engine under the hood. That’s where a system like the Roush Axle-Back comes into play.

This system is completely manufactured in 409 stainless steel and includes all necessary mounting hardware along with chrome rolled tips to finish the look. This system from Roush will provide you with a loud, aggressive exhaust note under wide-open throttle, but near zero drone while you’re cruising down the highway.

CJ Installation Video

Step-By-Step Instructions

Tools Required:

• Lift or Jack and Jack Stands
• 3/8” Ratchet or Impact Gun
• 1/2” Deep Socket
• 15mm Deep Socket
• Flat Blade Screwdriver
• Pry Bar
• Safety Glasses

Installation Time: ~1 hour

Difficulty: Moderate

1. The first step is to remove the factory mufflers. Start by loosening the clamp connecting the muffler to the intermediate pipe. You can use hand tools or a cordless impact for this step.
2. You can approach Step #2 from two different ways – Either keep the intermediate pipes connected to the mid-pipe and unbolt the hanger mounts from the car, thus bringing down the muffler with hanger mounts attached. Or, you can disconnect the intermediate pipes from the mid-pipe to allow enough room for removal of the muffler by sliding it out of the hanger mounts. We are going to remove the intermediate pipes for this installation. Grab your 15mm deep socket and remove the four nuts holding the clamps from the intermediate pipes to the mid-pipe.
3. Now you can separate the intermediate pipe from the mid-pipe. You may need to use a flat head screwdriver to free the tab on the clamp from the nipple on the intermediate pipe. Once the tab is free, pull the intermediate pipe off the mid-pipe and carefully remove it from over the rear axle and out of the car.
   
   After that, you’ll want to move to the rear of the car and use a pry bar to take muffler out of the rubber hanger. Sometimes a lubricant like WD-40 can make this a little easier if the hanger is stubborn.
4. Next, with the first hanger removed, you’ll want to work on the other two. Push the muffler towards the front of the car to work it out of the remaining two hangers. Once it’s off the two hangers, carefully drop it from the car and repeat the process on the other side.
   
   Tech Tip: Just like the first hanger you removed, there is also a nipple on the hanger towards the outside of the car. WD-40 is a great lubricant to use in order to work these out of the rubber hangers.
5. Now, you’re ready to install your new Roush Performance mufflers! Make sure you install them with the pipe going towards the center of the car, hangers towards the rear. Put the muffler up into place and begin by sliding the front two hangers into place first.
6. Then, you will slide the rear hanger into place.
7. Slide the clamp into place on the pipe. Make sure the head of the bolt is facing towards the center of the car.
8. Next, you’re ready to put the intermediate pipe back into place. It’s a lot easier to put the mid-pipe clamp on the intermediate pipe and slide it into place.
9. After that, you’ll want to line up the intermediate pipe with your new Roush Exhaust. Then, slide the clamp over the connection and tighten it down.
10. At this point, you’ll want to repeat the process on the other side and then tighten the mid-pipe to intermediate pipe clamps.
11. Lastly, it’s time to install the tips! Slide the clamp onto the tip, slide it over the Roush Muffler tip, adjust and tighten to your liking.
    
    Tech Tip: Make sure the tip is sticking out from rear valence a bit. The valence is plastic, so it can melt. And if the tips aren’t centered in the rear valence holes, your adjustment point would be the intermediate pipe to muffler pipe clamp. Adjust there, if needed.
    
    
12. After your tips are straight, your installation is finished!

Some Notes On The Exhaust Note/Drone:

As stated earlier, exhaust can be a very subjective thing when it comes to the Mustang. Where some may like a loud, popping raspy tone, others may only like a deep, aggressive and old-school tone. The Roush Performance Axle-Back Kit for the 2011-2014 Mustang GT provides that classic Roush sound that we have all come to love.

For the Mustang owner who has kept the rest of their exhaust system factory, this is the perfect axle-back choice! Loud and aggressive when you’re on the throttle, but quiet and no drone when you’re at highway speeds.

From inside the cabin, you will definitely know that you have aftermarket exhaust installed in comparison to your old stock exhaust. However, there’s no drone and it’s loud when you want it – how could you say no to that?

Please Note: Please keep in mind that this guide is a tool to help you install the parts on your vehicle. If you don’t feel confident in performing this installation properly on your own, have a professional install the parts for you.