I know HD recommends new clamps for the mufflers. Bike is almost a year old and less than 5k miles on the clock. Do I really need new clamps?

I've seen a lot of people recommend new gaskets for the balance pipe. I've also seen a lot of complaints about the stock mufflers being a pain to get off. WD-40? Some other lubricant spray?

 

I used the same clamps and balance pipe gaskets when I installed my slip-ons. No leaking and haven't had any issues since. Just make sure the gaskets are in good condition.

I used WD-40 and just let it sit for a while, made things a bit easier haha.

 

Nothing but a firm grip to pull the stock pipes off.

 

Some WD-40 where the old mufflers and headers meet. I would get new clamps and gaskets for the cross-over. I did to prevent any issues. It is only an extra $10-$20.

 

gloves, wrenches, patience, maybe replace the little silvery dampeners that go on the muffler contact points. (worst description ever, ask the dealer, they know what i'm going on about)

maybe better to use a socket set. bout and hour if the refuse to come right off. reuse the old hardwre like mention above. easy

 

Crossover gaskets on mine looked roached, they are delicate. My pipes were 8 months old and they were a PITA to get off for some reason. New ones easy on.

 

It was easy. The Screamin' Eagle mufflers come with new gaskets for the balance pipe. The clamps needed a little spreading to fit over the new pipes. Done under an hour.

 

you should be fine reusing the clamps on the mufflers. they are designed for one use but I have reused them a couple times. if they leak around the muffler, no amount of tightening will stop it (my experience anyways). by the way, the clamps aren't very expensive if you should need to get them. the balance tubes I'd definitely replace. pita to have to pull off and redo. bit of advice...put some anti-seize in the end of the muffler where it slides up on the exhaust pipe that way next time you want to remove the mufflers, it wont be much of a struggle to getting them off

 

see you posted before I added my suggestion. glad it worked out without any issues

 

merry x-mas!

try to find some old evil SEIIs if you want the evil harley racket