exhaust clamp: strap/band, common U-type, or ???

[toypaseo]

Well, since my Gibson exhaust,http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229899, will be installed sometime early 2009, I was considering the use of strap/band style clamps instead of the more common U-type ones. Better seal, better looks. Welding might be an option also, but I'll pry opt for some type of clamps.

Since the piping overlaps, I did not know if I should be using a step type of strap/band clamp...

or would regular strap/band clamps work...

or should I be looking at these...

 

[dogfriend]

Those photos are giving me flashbacks to my Peterbilt days. The first two types were typically used between the muffler elbow and the standpipe at the side or behind the cab. I think the step type is used when you have two different diameters.

The third type we used to call a "constant torque" exhaust clamp. Those were used in the engine compartment on turbo piping and other exhaust piping where there was a lot of thermal expansion. The "t-bolt" has a spring under the nut to allow the clamp to expand (and contract) as the pipes expand (and contract) when they get hot.

I've never seen the last type used. I think it is similar to the first one, but you have to have pipe overlap like you would if using a u-bolt.

 

[toypaseo]

So, one of the first two would be an ideal choice :scratch:

 

[dogfriend]

Actually, I'm not an expert on this but it seems to me that welding (done correctly) is probably better than using clamps. But welding makes it hard to service, so I think that is the main reason to use clamps.