Bunch of questions about my 2002 chevrolet silverado 1500?

[Cody T]

Here are my questions

1. Can I install straight pipes on my truck without removing the catalytic converter? I know that straight pipes are illegal, but I am more concerned about not removing the catalytic converter.

2. Almost every time I start up my truck in the morning it squeals. I know it is the belt because when I spray WD-40 on the belt, the squealing dies down, but now that it is colder in the morning, the squealing will not stop. My mom's truck and my dad's JEEP do not have this problem. What can I do to permanently stop the squealing?

3. My final question is about mudding with my truck. I am going to get a 6" lift and 35" mud tires, but I have had problems with my truck every time I go mudding. I do not like cleaning my truck off after mudding because I like the appearance the mud gives my truck. However should I be cleaning my suspension frequently and how do I go about doing that?

PLEASE ANSWER ALL THREE QUESTIONS!

 

[7DeuceC-10]

1. Straight pipes can still be straight pipes with a cat converter on each side, you would have to take it to whoever is doing you exhaust and get them to include the cats in the system.

2. I've had this same problem with my '72 C-10, I was considering buying a new belt, but you can sometimes just fix it by loosening your alternator and moving it out a bit so the belt is tighter, if not you could buy belt dressing which is what I did and it fixed the problem right away.

3. It's not really a big deal if you are driving your truck daily, but just to be on the safe side, I would clean the undercarriage, just with a pressure washer just to get all' of the loose stuff off.

 

[Ben]

1 you cant so "straights" the reason they are called straight pipes is because that is nothing there to muffle the sound but you could run it without a muffler but not sure why
2 you need to replace the belt and possibly a belt tensioner wd 40 will just make the problem worse that doesnt keep the belt form slipping just makes it where you cant hear it anymore whis will makle the belt worse
3you have problems because you are abuseing the truck and it has problems you are ignoring to go play asd for washing you should wash all of it not washing the suspension and moving parts will cause premature wear and not washing the body will cause premature rust and paint failureand rusted out panels

 

[LSx Racer]

1. You can install straight pipes on it with some mods. On your truck the exh runs into a y-pipe with one cat on each side. In order to run dual straights you will have to get that y-pipe redone. easiest thing to do is just come off your y-pipe and then split the pipe into duals between the trans and rear axle.

2. It sounds like your power steering pump is going out. With the fluid being cold it is harder for the pump to move the fluid making it harder for the belt to turn the pump. Also if your belt is stretched that could cause it also. Try replacing the belt before the pump.

3. You need to clean the undercarriage. If you leave the mud on there when it dries the sand in it will cause your seals to wear and start leaks.