I'm in a few other fourms but nothing automotive related so I'm sure this help me post is going to get on someone's nerves as I assume I'm not the first person with this issue but I'm in a spot.

Bought My dad's Excursion for a work truck 2 months ago, 2 nights ago some ***** ripped out my catalytic converter while I was fast asleep so I'm looking for solutions. My local shops are having trouble getting a new one but I'm hesitant to put one in for fear of it getting stolen again.

I've heard of a straight pipe/muffler option with a computer flash which seems to be the best route to go for me. And I don't live in a state that requires emition testing.

Any and all solutions will be helpful, I'm a Carpenter by trade so the automotive stuff is a bit over my head so feel free to talk to me like I'm an idiot.

2004 5.4 triton Ltd 4wd with 190k miles.

Also*** it drives fine in reverse but is totally gutless in drive, tech that I spoke to said that could just be effects of the CC bring gone. O2 sensor is also gone. I can feel it shift into (drive) gear but barely moves when I hit the gas. When I threw it in reverse to get it back into a parking spot it engaged with no issue at all.

P.S. I love this ****ing thing so a long term solution is preferred but a short term one will also be acceptaaccessible this is costing me money daily. Thanks a ton guys.

 

Weld in an aftermarket 3" cat and o2 sensor bung. Any exhaust shop should be able to rip this out in 30min.
Even if the cat is cut out it should still move and drive fine. The code isn't going to disable the vehicle.

Lol asking about computer reflashes and o2 deletes on the first post? You work for the EPA?

 

Hah! No I don't work for them but now I understand the gravity of why the local shops won't entertain my question when I ask them. I'm not a apart of auto fourms but I'm a member of some other fourms that also attract big brother.

Do you think the lack of gusto in drive but it operating fine in reverse are just the result of the theft or is there something the thieve could have messed up during the removal process that could be causing that issue.

Maybe a better way to word that is, is there any reasonable le way they could have ****ed up my transmission or some sort of other sensor that would cause reverse to work but not drive?

 

Most shops are scared ****less over the EPA actions especially in the diesel world H&S $1M fine. ANything is possible with a couple of crack heads and a sawzall.
Check your codes with a scanner. Go from there.

 

Thanks a ton buddy.

 

The real question is did it drive fine prior to the cat being removed?

 

Yes. It ran fantastic.

 

I experienced what you are describing sort of, mine is a V10, but when my Cat was stolen, before the temporary straight pipe went in, i experienced a similar sluggishness, and i believe it was due to a complete absence of back-pressure causing the engine to run out of whack.

Once the straight pipe was in it was better. With the 5.4 which is kind of guttless as it is by comparison at least, you might need the cat for back-pressure, this is what i used, worked fantastic for me.

CAT: https://www.magnaflow.com/products/5...ytic-converter

Mufflier: https://www.magnaflow.com/products/1...rmance-muffler

Shop i went to once the weekend came had them in stock on the shelf, and did it all in 45 minutes.

 

Thanks a ton man, the links definitely help

 

The O2 sensors are involved with the proper air/fuel mixture ratio. I would agree with the lack of back pressure. The PCM is specifically set up for certain conditions. It can learn but without O2 sensors, it has no way to learn. The advice to put an aftermarket cat on it is spot on. You could call local salvage yards to see what they have. Problem is with a used cat, you don't really know what you have until you install it or cut it open. Neither is a good way to evaluate a used part.

I hate freaking thieves except those stealing food because they are hungry. Going back to Middle Eastern justice, CAT stealers would at least lose a hand

 

Run a tuner, delete the cat and the o2's. Someone is gonna steal it again anyway.

 

You cannot delete the front O² sensors. And he needs the back pressure of the cat or something else to get running properly. The aftermarket cat isnt as valuable as the original excursion cat is. They would not be as interested. But he could also just have them weld a box around it or otherwise make it hard to cut out and 99 times out of 10 the thief will just skip it if it's a small value and it's been protected they're not going to waste time with it.