So about that crushed spot in the exhaust?

I've noticed that crushed spot in my exhaust right below the header. We all talk about cat back kits to improve flow when there's this giant restriction right up front. I read that it's there to help clear the front diff, if that's true, can that section be replaced on a lifted XJ? Where would I find that piece (uncrushed) and does it have the O2 sensor port...?

Look into borla, I just installed a header from them on a 86 CJ-7, all the tubes were smooth, no crushed area. Also it definatly did the old jeep some good, and sounds awesome.

I bought a replacement flange at a local auto parts store. Cut the pipe below the the dent, expand the pipe so the new flange will fit inside, and weld it. This was just a cheep "git er dun" fix. Your best bet is to look into borla or some aftermarket offroad exhaust system. Not to be a "Tree hugger" but I like the idea of keeping the converter. I havn't replaced the header yet, but I was wondering if the Borla header tubes have a biger diameter than stock? What is the stock diameter?

Not sure what the diameter is, I think 2" or 2.25. Either way, the flange is meaty as hell and the tubes are bent perfectly, good rounded bends. Installed fairly easly. On a CJ-7 258, complete system was 1200 w/high flow cat.