I've been putting this off for a while, but it's inspection time, so now I've got to do it...

The forward passenger side cat split open. I have about 140k on my '97 4x4 Exp EB.

I am going to drop the exhaust from the manifolds and weld in a new one. While I'm at it, I think I should replace the Oxygen sensors. They are the originals.

Here are my questions:
1. Anyone got any complaints about the magnaflow or eastern converters?

2. Do bosch o2 sensors really suck, or do all expedition owners just hate them because of the spark plug issues? And if they do suck, which ones don't? FoMoCo are a good bit more expensive and there seems to be a lot of selection in brands. I would really like to hear from people who have installed the Denso, SNG, Standard, Walker, or Replacement brands and whether they lasted, and if they helped or hurt your mileage.

Thanks

 

I've used several Bosch sensors in several applications,and in EVERY ONE of them there were problems with idle quality,consistent economy,and poor cold startup driveability. Changed those out for OEM NTK sensors and ALL of those problems went away. Ford has used some Bosch sensors, but they ARE NOT the same as the Bosch sensors that you buy at the parts stores. Many of Ford's OEM sensors from '97-'03 were made by NTK, and are typically what you'll get in the box when you get OEM replacement sensors.
JL

 

i just replaced the 02's on my 97 with BOSCH's from autozone and the one's in there were FORD BOSCH originals. but so far i havent seen any problems from the aftermarket bosch's