I've been complaining that aftermarket exhaust parts only last a few years. I've always used Walker because they seemed to be quality stuff, made in Pennsylvania.
Well here's Walker's own website saying that the c-r-a-p rots out after two years:
https://www.walkerexhaust.com/support/parts-matter/why-exhaust-systems-wear-out.html
Amazing how poor some products have become. Imagine rolling around under some junker all day to install pipes that rot out after two years?
It is sad that they accept this as normal!!
It all boils down to people wanting low cost parts. I will admit I am part of this problem too.
2-3 years for a new part is totally unacceptable!
They use cheap materials because high quality aluminized, aluminum, galvanized etc cost a lot more to make.
Ford makes some of IF not the best factory mufflers in existence. At least they did.
It seems all factory are pretty good though.
I don't know it you can buy the exact same quality from ford as went on your car???
It wold be a fortune but IF if were the same quality you would get a lot of life from it BUT you must remember usually when you have a new muffler or pipe installed there is welding involved and even if the muffler is a 15-20 year one like the factory ones are, the welds will rust out the pipe long before that.
You could buy a whole bolt on system or get used. I bet warm climate junkyards have pristine exhaust systems just sitting there.
I have run limos since 1989 models and all fords but one 1995 Cadillac 85 inch.
All but 1 or maybe two had original mufflers on them until we sold them off at some of them 15 years old.
The center stretch pipes don't make it long and they are on there 2nd or 3rd set of them and still have perfectly fine factory mufflers and the other factory front and rear parts last a long time too.
Limos eat pipes too. They idle all the time and never get the exhaust hot. When you see a limo take off it will shoot water out of the pipe or pipes.
Regular after market muffler usually suck badly and only good for a 3-4 years or so.
Is have used Maremont and Walker for the most part with Walker used to be better.
BUT the real good ones are the Magnaflow and Dnyomax and the like.
The super thick steel shell ones with thick inlets and outlets.
These things are like tank compared to a standard thin walled muffler.
Problem is they are "performance" usually and not as quiet but if you get the biggest one so it fits better in factory location anyway you might be good.
I have lifted 98 Durango on 38s and it has duals with dynomax and it is not loud at all with factory 5.2.
Borlas drone terribly.
We never found or really looked hard for a lincoln thick body style. We just put the muffler shop ones on that don't even look like factory.
I don't think any Lincoln aftermarket looks like a factory one. They are trapezoid shape and not oval.
Trucks are more round so aftermarket is probably closer to oem look.