Catalytic Converter Replacement...
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Catalytic Converter Replacement...
I recently acquired my 1995 Ford Ranger 2.3 Liter 5 speed. When I road tested it before I bought it the exhaust was a little "throaty" but sounded good. Subsequently I had the exhaust inspected at MIDAS where the catalytic converter was identified as "leaking." They quoted me $350.00 for a new one and $45 to install it!
Subsequent internet searches have identified parts sources which offer OEM converters for less than half what MIDAS is asking, but...
Can I be relatively confident that I can get the correct part(s) and that I can perform the installation myself? I have a pair of metal ramps which allow me to raise either the front or the rear of the car about 18" off the garage floor, but no cutting torch. If the bolts holding the converter section into the exhaust system are frozen, can I cut them off with a hacksaw or a chisel working flat on my back?
Is there a recommended high quality "source" for the converter unit?
Are there any "gotchas" people have found in their experiences with doing exhaust work on a Ranger?
Subsequent internet searches have identified parts sources which offer OEM converters for less than half what MIDAS is asking, but...
Can I be relatively confident that I can get the correct part(s) and that I can perform the installation myself? I have a pair of metal ramps which allow me to raise either the front or the rear of the car about 18" off the garage floor, but no cutting torch. If the bolts holding the converter section into the exhaust system are frozen, can I cut them off with a hacksaw or a chisel working flat on my back?
Is there a recommended high quality "source" for the converter unit?
Are there any "gotchas" people have found in their experiences with doing exhaust work on a Ranger?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Catalytic Converter Replacement...
ZundapMan,
If it were me, I would order the cat online and then bring it to a local muffler shop to have them install it.
I recall someone on another Ford site had a good experience using these guys: Discount Convertors
If it were me, I would order the cat online and then bring it to a local muffler shop to have them install it.
I recall someone on another Ford site had a good experience using these guys: Discount Convertors
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 69
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From: Columbus, OH
Catalytic Converter Replacement...
I would check and see when exactly the truck was manufactured in 1995. You don't say how many miles you have on the truck, but I was told by an exhaust place that the catalytic converter was covered under an 8 year/80,000 mile warranty. Just a thought.
Bobby
Bobby
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Catalytic Converter Replacement...
Vehicle has 118,000 miles on it. I am just amazed at the differences in price for the part and am trying to decide if I should order it myself rather than using Midas. I'm one of those guys who has "midasized" for years, and I got three "free" replacements of mufflers on my VW before retiring it. Does anyone know a reputable shipper of OEM components I can check with?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,205
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From: Vancouver WA
Catalytic Converter Replacement...
Go to any other muffler shop other than Midas. They are the biggest rip-off artists in the biz. Look in the phone book and call around to a few different places. I bet you'd be amazed at the difference in price.
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