Was I wrong?

You were not wrong in my opinion.

 

Who's windshield ended up with the other 8 feet ?

 

Seems like you made the right call. And props to you for standing up. When in doubt you could always double check with the FMCSA. Learning how to look up regs (that change at least once a month) is one of the things I'm glad about that the instructor at our school is having us do. Here's the reg. http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/325.91

 

You are now a truckdriver. Therefore, you are always wrong even when right.

 

What a cheap employer ! Muffler is $80 if you're lucky, and a couple of clamps and brackets.

 

In my experience, a lot of companies will say oh it's ok or don't worry about it or we will get to it, always remember, your the one that will get in trouble, your responsible for inspecting the vehicle and making sure it's in compliance, and as stated above, is the companies budget that tight that they can't even replace a muffler?

 

So what happened?? Fired?? Different truck? Fixed it?? You are WAY skinny on details here.......

 

New driver, already making waves....I'm guessing he has either been starved out, quit for a better opportunity, or been fired. Not saying the OP was wrong by any means, just pointing out that employers control whether you work or not until you find a different employer.

 

The boss is a dip ####.