pipes from muffler back are all rotted out on my 04 5.4 v8. i will be replacing any ideas as to what route i should take?

 

What exactly are you asking? You say you have 'pipes' so I take it you have aftermarket exhaust already, are you asking if you should change the exit style? ( like change straight out to side exit? ) Post more information about your truck, and its system please.

If you are saying you have an original muffler & tailpipe and would like to change it, well thats entirely up to you. You have many choices, cat-back, or the more affordable ( & satisfying ) buy a muffler and tips and have it installed at your local shop.

There are a variety of brands to purchase, Flowmaster ( loud ) Magnaflow ( loud/deep toned & constructed of stainless ) Borla ( mildly loud, stainless ) Gibson ( too quiet for a V8 imo ) Cherrybomb ( weakly constructed, but very loud ).

I would personally suggest a Magnaflow 18" muffler, with 2.5" dual outlet pipes and 3.5"x18" straight out tips.