I'm trying to remove the stock muffler from my car, I have removed the factory clamp and the hanger, however the muffler inlet has rusted to the over-the-axle pipe.

I've tried a lot of things such as generally whacking it with a hammer, prizing open the muffler inlet section with a screwdriver and spraying lots of water dispersant on the join. It still won't budge. I'm going to try heating it tomorrow with a blow torch!

I don't want to just cut the muffler off as I may need it in the future so I don't want to damage it.

Anyone have any tips for freeing up rusted pipes?

I'd appreciate any suggestions, thanks!

 

Heat it up and, give her.

Exhaust pipes are a b*tch... a lot of the time I end up just cutting them

 

use a cutting torch , it burns alot hotter than a propane torch, get it red hot and move it evry way you can, that will expand the outer pipe.
be careful not to burn through, by using the hotter tipped cutting torch , the surrounding parts will actually stay cooler , it should take less than 1 minute to get it hot enough.
use a little more oxygen to keep the flame smaller,you may want to find somebody that knows how to use a gas welding and cutting torch setup, also be sure to use leather welding gloves so you can grip it good and really push and pull on the pipes