What I found is that the rubber bands are actually stretched somewhat forward to keep the muffler from wobbling side to side. I too had a hard time, the first time. Then I realized that if I take the 3 bolts out of the flange by the cats, it is much easier with the tension removed.

I also cut the centers out of the OEMs before I reinstalled them. Made it easier to install and easier to remove the next time.

This last time I had a new tip put on, I told my muffler guy how the the mounts were pulled forward on the OEM. The new system is solid as a rock with hardly no movement, unlike the Magnaflow system I had on there.

James