Anyone ever order an exhaust from Rockauto?

[Carmudgeon]

Yes, we all (should) know RA is a drop shipper, and it will depend on the specific vendor fulfilling the order, but I'm still seeking feedback before considering ordering an unwieldly 6-7ft long object weighing 40lbs, probably bare and unboxed, with FedEx Ground also adding an additional measure of risk. It's not a fancy aftermarket exhaust, so it will be flying coach, not coddled in biz class.

Or for that matter, any other drop shipper, like Parts Geek?

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

Just ordered full exhaust from manifold exit to tailpipe about 4 months ago for my 07 Impreza. Muffler & gaskets/bolts were boxed, pipes were not but the hangers were all bubble-wrapped and did not get damaged at all. Excellent deal for $304 shipped; everything fit perfectly and zero leaks. You can’t even hear the engine over road noise at 60mph; Walker exhaust galvanized pipes but the Quiet Flow SS muffler.

Best and only purchase I’ve made from RA.

 

[Delta]

Ordered a Walker catback for a friends '95 Tacoma. Shipped FedEx and arrived completely unscathed. Kit included the rubber isolators, gaskets, and bolts. Went together great. It won't last 5+ years here in the salt belt, but it's a decent DIY alternative.

Those exhaust systems don't go through the general sorting apparatus via paddle or shoe sorter. They're manually loaded and unloaded on an I/C belt line and then put in a trailer to its destinations. You're mileage may vary depending on how rough they handle it.

 

[VWRand]

Unless you buy local, any exhaust will likely be shipped the same way

 

[Urshurak776]

Ordered a catalytic converter for sons Kia Rio. It was fine, but one of the mounting bolts was slightly off. Wasn't really an issue though.

 

[DuckRyder]

Ive ordered 2 cat backs, one flowmaster from summit and one dynomax from RA (at least in recent history) and both came in the original box and packaging from the from the supplier.

Nopi used to just slap a UPS label on an Anza or Bosal, Hooker comp system came in a box from summit. 914 exhaust from pelican came in a box.

You sure its not in pieces shorter then 6 ft?

 

[rijndael]

I ordered a Walker exhaust for my 07 Ranger from there. Zero issues.

 

[Tdbo]

Ordered a full Walker exhaust, cats and all for my 2003 Ranger.
It went without a hitch, and the prices were the best that I could get anywhere.

 

[Capt W]

I've ordered three Walker systems from RA without issue. Just ordered a Walker muffler and resonator for my old Caravan; however I got this setup from Amazon, as RA's shipping cost for the system made it about $30.00 more expensive than Amazon. Probably came from the same vendor in any case.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

What kind of car is it?

You should consider a 304 exhaust, if one is available for the car in question.

Unless you buy local, any exhaust will likely be shipped the same way

This. It doesn't matter who you buy it from.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I ordered a full exhaust system from rockauto a few years ago for my truck. It came in one giant box for the tailpipe section and a normal sized box for the muffler.

 

[Sedin26]

I ordered full exhaust from them a few years ago for a 2010 Frontier. It showed up via FedEx at the shipping facility I use in Point Roberts. No damage at all and then I slipped back over the border - much cheaper than a local purchase for me.

 

[LDM]

I don't remember if it was from RockAuto or not but back when I was fixing up my 89 Camaro after I purchased it I ended up having to order a full cat back exhaust due to the old one being rusted out. No issues with it being shipped, muffler was in a separate box and the long pipes and hardware were in another box. Same as when I had to order a new exhaust for my 18 Sierra when some dumb tailgating woman ran into the back of my truck and ruined that exhaust a few years back. That ones came from Borla as it was the same prices as a factory exhaust so I saw no reason to get a factory one again when the Borla looks and sounds better.

 

[Carmudgeon]

Thanks all.

Good to know that some care is taken when shipping exhausts, and provides some assurance. I guess I may find out.

What kind of car is it?

You should consider a 304 exhaust, if one is available for the car in question.

There are 304SS options, but they're "performance" exhausts, and I'm not looking for something louder, or with a performance tax.

BMW OE is well over $1000, which I'm not sure I can justify for an old spare that does <5k mi annually.

OEM options have dwindled, which leaves aftermarket like Ansa or Bosal, which I'm not necessarily thrilled with, but at least they're relatively cheap and might be worth a shot.

For now, putting everything on the table to decide which way to go.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Thanks all.

Good to know that some care is taken when shipping exhausts, and provides some assurance. I guess I may find out.



There are 304SS options, but they're "performance" exhausts, and I'm not looking for something louder, or with a performance tax.

BMW OE is well over $1000, which I'm not sure I can justify for an old spare that does <5k mi annually.

OEM options have dwindled, which leaves aftermarket like Ansa or Bosal, which I'm not necessarily thrilled with, but at least they're relatively cheap and might be worth a shot.

For now, putting everything on the table to decide which way to go.

If you don't get stainless, make sure there is a hole drilled in the muffler. If there isn't, you can always drill one yourself. The hole doesn't need to be that big, only 1/8" or a few mm. Drill it on the side, at the bottom.

The hole will prevent moisture from accumulating, which accelerates rust. Depending on the size of the muffler, it can hold as much as a half gallon of water!

 

[SC Maintenance]

When I worked at a new car dealer 30 years ago, they would ship complete OEM exhausts bare. Just tape a label to them. Some made it intact. Some did not.

I have ordered CAT's from RA, but never anything 7 feet long. How much more is it to get it locally. If it wasn't a lot more I would honestly go that route - which I normally do not. But if UPS bends it, its going to be a pain with the return.

 

[Carmudgeon]

When I worked at a new car dealer 30 years ago, they would ship complete OEM exhausts bare. Just tape a label to them. Some made it intact. Some did not.

I have ordered CAT's from RA, but never anything 7 feet long. How much more is it to get it locally. If it wasn't a lot more I would honestly go that route - which I normally do not. But if UPS bends it, its going to be a pain with the return.

(Fear of) The scenario you describe is what prompted the query. I pictured a vendor just picking one off the hook like I've seen them in storage, slapping a label on it and shipping it.

The indie parts stores around here have all dried up, leaving the chains, who don't stock the part any longer, even for a premium.

 

[SC Maintenance]

(Fear of) The scenario you describe is what prompted the query. I pictured a vendor just picking one off the hook like I've seen them in storage, slapping a label on it and shipping it.

The indie parts stores around here have all dried up, leaving the chains, who don't stock the part any longer, even for a premium.

Order it delivered to store at one of the chains. Inspect it before you accept it. There usually pretty good about that. If it’s bent they get to deal with it.

 

[eljefino]

Just got a Walker stainless muffler for my Camry from RA. It shared a box with a wiper blade that shipped from the same warehouse! So it was "naked" before being appropriately boxed with a bunch of those plastic air bubble things.

 

[Carmudgeon]

Order it delivered to store at one of the chains. Inspect it before you accept it. There usually pretty good about that. If it’s bent they get to deal with it.

Out of stock and not available for order.

I'm willing to take my chances on RA, but since I'll be leaving town in the near future, have some time to mull it over. I can't imagine RA has never encountered a situation where an exhaust is damaged in transit and hope that they know how to handle it appropriately.