How Many Cats?

[carringb]

Originally Posted by Jsweezy

Is it on the passengers side? If so, how/where does the drivers side connect into it?

It's on the pax side just before the muffler. There's a Y-pipe (actually more like a crummy T pipe, stock) before the cat. Still crosses over in the wrong spot for 4x4, but super easy to swap out with the 4x4 crossover from a pickup.

But.... it's huge, which = lots of metal = lots of $$$. Mine's a CA model, which last I checked was almost $2,500 for a replacement. The newer ones probably work better with less metal because the EGTs at the cat are higher.

[86Scotty]

Thanks CarringB, yes that's exactly how mine is. I'll be keeping the stock cat, even though it's a little rusty, because last time I replaced one with a high flow, smaller mail order one, it got really loud inside, even with a decent muffler. That's great info about the 4x pickup crossover pipe. I'll be looking into that when I convert my van. I've been wondering about it anyway. I hate to rub it in but I'm so glad that here in TN we don't have all the emissions crap to worry with. I don't really approve of NO cats but I don't like the idea of the government peering under my skirt to see what's there.

[Jsweezy]

Thanks Carringb, and what exactly is the difference between the 2wd and 4wd in that area? Would it be hitting the transfer case selector lever stuff?

86Scotty - Ya, its annoying to have to deal with it. I dont want to remove the cats, I just wanted them out of the way. Going from a tuned and deleted diesel to a gas van with all the emissions stuff intact it was nice to be able to breath when standing by the van. I never realized how much my truck stunk and now feel kinda bad for everyone that was behind me with their AC on! ha ha

[86Scotty]

Yep, I had a 4.0 Jeep Wrangler a couple years back that I bought with no cat, replaced with straight pipe. It was unbearable with the top down, which is the only reason to have a Jeep IMO. I surprised the muffler shop by actually asking them to put a cat back on, the opposite of the question they are usually asked. It slowed the Jeep down some but at least we could breath.

[carringb]

Basically the 4x4 crossover is under the transmission. The 2wd crossover rear ward more, next to the crossmember, pretty much where the T case would sit. The 2wd setup actually is more protected, but Ford's thought was probably that you'd have to drag the axle over something first to hit the exhaust.

[Jsweezy]

Carringb - Oh ok I understand now, I like how quadvan did it where they routed it just in front of the oil pan in that dead space. So the truck y pipe should fit on these 6.8L vans? Is the frame setup the same as the trucks?

86Scotty - Ya it took me about 3 different vehicles before I learned that its ok to not touch the exhaust. I first did a 1979 GMC 1500 exhaust straight piped... drove that cross country from VA to AZ and decided I hated it. Then I did a 2005 Tacoma with a louder muffler. Drove it fine around town but on long trips the drone was brutal. Then the F250, the sound deadening was the first thing I did on the van, it already needs it before even touching the exhaust.

[carringb]

Truck y pipe fitst the older V10s with the single cat. I don't know about the newer vans.

Frames are not the same. Vans frames are wider.

[Annie O]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

I hate to rub it in but I'm so glad that here in TN we don't have all the emissions crap to worry with. I don't really approve of NO cats but I don't like the idea of the government peering under my skirt to see what's there.

Too funny 86!
I was told the same here in WV- a tad bit more lax on the inspections.

Hmmm I've been seeing lots of men in kilts recently- you wear one?

[86Scotty]

Na, I've got some Irish/Scottish blood but I'm gonna stick with board shorts........and my Nike flip flops.

[Annie O]

Well I hope those a re OSHA approved flip flops