Advise on replacing my cat 86 Cj7 258

[rockhounder]

Hi All, I need to replace my catalytic converter in my jeep.

Here in the Phoenix Arizona area we have emissions testing so I will need to replace the cat to pass emissions. I don't know of any good Mom and Pop muffler shops in the city and I'm not comfortable taking my jeep to a big chain outfit. I really don't like other people working on my jeep anyway.

The muffler shops I have called have quoted between $400 - $600 depending what else they may need to do once they get it apart.

I've seen some replacement catalytic converters for the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l jeeps on a few web sites for but not sure which one is the best. The prices range from $70 - $210.

I need some help and have a few questions:

Are there any sponsors on this site that sell the cat I need?

Has anyone in here done their own cat replacement? If so what cat did you use?

It looks like I have to drop my Transfer Case skid plate and lower the Transfer Case to remove the cat. Can anyone confirm this?

Any thoughts on doing an exhaust upgrade at the same time I replace the cat?

Thanks in advance. I appreciate any help or ideas.

 

[Torxhead]

Years ago I had the next size up pipe installed with a straight thru cat and a performance muffler. I also took it to one of the higher end muffler shops in the area. Over the years the cost now seems well worth it and it always passes smog here in the birthplace of emissions testing. As for being able to have a slip on cat you should ask the muffler man.

 

[rockhounder]

Thanks Torxhead, Appreciate the info. I'll look into up sizing the pipe while I'm at it.

I've searched and found a few bolt-on catalytic converters for my jeep. I still need to figure out which one is the best to install. So far I'm not finding one specifically marked as "straight-through". I'll keep looking.

My muffler and tail pipe have a few dents so I'm going to replace them.
Any suggestions on mufflers? I'm looking for a better sound if possible.

Also, my Haynes book doesn't mention removing the skid plate to get at the cat but I don't see how I can get in there with the plate installed. It also looks like the skid plate holds up the Transfer Case ? Humm? anyone know for sure?

 

[Rickster]

Rockhounder, I recently put this direct bolt on cat on my 1985 CJ7 . Installation was not a problem and I did not have to remove the skid plates as the front pipe extended past the plate. Put on the Omix-Ada muffler kit (not great but functional). Also you can get pipe clamps should your cat and front pipe end up being the same size and you do not want to weld--several companies make these...Walker, etc. I used C clamps.

 

[rockhounder]

Thanks Rickster.

Good info! Thanks for the photos and links. I'm happy to hear that it's been done and with good emissions results too.

Good to know that the repair can be done without having to mess with the skid plate.

It's looking like I'll be replacing the cat and muffler myself. After I get the parts I'll snap some photos of the R&R and post them.

Thanks again!

 

[Rickster]

If you get the Random Technology cat you will probably need to cut some of the pipe on the cat converter to fit your install--so you will need a sawzall or hacksaw. This cat converter comes with 2 air tubes--one on each side. They send you a plug to close off the tube you do not need. If you do not need either you can crimp them closed.

 

[rockhounder]

Thanks again Rickster,

Yes, I'm going to go with the Random Technology cat. It's exactly what I was looking for. I'm not sure I would have found it without your help.
Thanks for the advise on the install too!

I was thinking about removing the old exhaust first and then see what needs to be cut. I'm still looking at different mufflers too.

I was hoping to get right on this job but I have a long list of "honey-do's" that I've fallen behind on and my truck needs new brakes. So I may not get started before next week.

I'd like to cut out the cat and replace it with a straight pipe so I can go wheelin today Humm . . . I wonder . . . no better finish building the tool shed I promised to have finished a few weeks back

 

[Rickster]

I feel your pain on the honey do jobs and other chores that demand time that you could be spending on the CJ .

Also wanted to mention that the extension for the air tube inlet that comes with the Random Technology cat is short so that you may need to get an air tube kit-like the one attached. Also, you may want to carefully inspect your front exhaust pipe, from the manifold to the cat, to make sure it is intact and that there are no "rotted" areas. If the front pipe is bad this would be the time to change it as well.

Good luck!!

 

[Fastatv]

Wanted to say that around here, or at least a while back, old converters were bringing some good money when turned in to metal buyers. When you get the old one off, you might want to check around your area to see what bucks you may get out of the old one. Just an idea.

 

[Rickster]

Excellent point Fastatv. I had looked into it when I changed mine out but decided not to pursue it. In fact there is one buyer in your area (TN). A couple of the sites I found:

Davis Recycling Inc :: Sell My Converter : Sell Your Converter
We buy scrap catalytic converters Nation Wide! Prices Updated Monthly on our Catalog.

 

[rockhounder]

Thanks guys. Great idea!

I wouldn't have thought of selling my used cat but now I'll definitely check into it. Any extra money I get can go back into my jeep.