97 Explorer XLT 4.0 SOHC Muffler/Exhaust
 

Hello,

I am new to the forum and I am in need of some good help here. For some reason my muffler is the only rusted part of my exhaust and I need to replace it so I was going to order it today and I came across a couple problems. Here are my questions maybe someone can answer them for me.

When I was browsing for mufflers, it seemed that each muffler for a 97 explorer had one pipe coming from the Cat and one tailpipe. On my 97 I have two pipes running from the cat to the muffler and then one tailpipe coming off the muffler. Is this normal? If I order a muffler for my 97 XLT will it come with two holes in the cat side of the muffler or just one? If it comes with just one than what would I do with the other pipe that comes from the cat to the muffler?

Also, what is the width average width of the pipe on a 97 explorer XLT 4.0 SOHC? 2 1/2? 2 1/4? Should I measure with a tape measure?

First things first what is up with the two pipes running from the cat to my muffler?