I may have been taken by the shop... Went in Saturday and I was just going to have them cut out the muffler and install a Flowmaster 40 series. The shop said that I would like the sound of the Flowmaster at first but after awhile the sound inside would drive me nuts so they again suggested the Magnaflow 18". I went with the Magnaflow but they said that the tailpipe was 2" so they would have to go with a new pipe at 2.25"

Cranky, I also thought the tailpipe was already 2.25" but it measured at 2"?

Cyclemut, thanks for the informative response (I just read it a little late). I don't know if the Magnaflow is "really flow through" but the exhaust flow feels much less restricted from stock. I do like the sound though, it is a subtle growl. I can't really tell if torque was affected. I did have a little difficulty climbing some steep hills that I previously never had a problem with but it may be do to the very dry conditions allowing for easy wheel spin.

I did ask the shop about mandrel bending and they said the mandrel machine is very large and expensive and few shops if any have it. So I do have 2.25" pipe not mandrel bent, but the shop ran it out at a slight angle just past the spare with the only bend at the end to the side.

Would changing out the exhaust have any impact on engine braking? In 4low going down steeps, it feels like I have to get on the brakes more than before.

I did save my stock parts just in case I end up deciding that I shouldn't of tried fixing something that isn't broken.
Thanks again.