2005 F150 4x4 super cab, 5.4 liter, 108k miles.

I've read several posts here and elsewhere about what causes the exhaust manifold gasket to leak some say and I have seen proof that the converters get clogged and cause to much back pressure. I'm having the passenger side gasket repaired next week and I certainly don't want to pay for this a second time. So I ask:

1) Is this the general consensus?

2)What brands are you replacing them with?

3)High flow or stock?

4)Has it made a difference?

5)Stock manifolds or shorty headers?

6)Entire new exhaust or just converters?

 

i can't believe no one has had a leaking/cracked exhaust manifold!

 

I replaced all 4 of cats right after I purchased my truck. its an 04 and had 110,000 miles. the second cat on each side was clogged. so I did all 4 just to be safe. I paid $600 for generic converters. I didnt have any problems with the manifold

 

How long have you had them on and are they causing any oxygen sensor issues?? I hear/read so many different things! Don't know what to do! Guess I'll throw money at the problem like I usually do.

 

yesterday I removed the extension pipe from the system and drove it about ten miles. put my foot into it a few times hoping to "blow the carbon out". Can't really tell if it did anything.

 

I did replace one because it was damaged when cutting the old one out, it fell to the ground and cut the wire and bent it so I just replaced it but the others were fine.

 

I was wondering if the new cat converters messed with the sensors. I thought new generic cats would cause codes to go off. Either not burning clean enough or to hot, etc.

 

I have had no issue what so ever