In my E150 exhaust system is the first 'box' something I wonder what it actually is and does.
To make it clear, I made a copy of the page of the complete exhaust as it is depicted in FordParts.com
The part I refer to is the one that joins the 2 downpipes from the manifolds, and then goes to the Catalythic converter, item #2
So the box before that, is it a muffler, is it a Cat or is it just an empty box?
The funny thing is that it is not called up in the partslist either.
Anyone can shed a light on this?

Thanks,
Cor

@partslist as shown on website :

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=notes style="COLOR: navy" align=middle colSpan=5>Please select a corresponding number from the illustration below to view the details of that part.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=notes style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #025589 4px double" colSpan=5><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=notes noWrap>1) 5.0 liter 5.0 liter Right</TD><TD class=notes noWrap>2) Converter Federal</TD><TD class=notes noWrap>3) Muffler</TD></TR><TR><TD class=notes noWrap>4) Muffler Clamp</TD><TD class=notes noWrap>5) Deflector</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

I think that is just a heat shield
both exhaust pipes, shield, conection and cat.
is one unit

 

That is your first catalytic converter in a 2 cat system.

IIRC, one cat is a 2 way and the other is a 3 way cat.
Air is pumped into the pipe between the cats so the second has fresh oxygen to assist the catalytic process.

Replacements from aftermarket will have only one cat.

-Jackson-

 

Thanks for your input, Jackson; makes sense, as I know that the parts are welded together; this must be originally the case, but that I did not know for sure. (Could have been that a previous owner had them welded.)
As there is only one itemnumber, this must mean that the whole assy. is only available as 1 part, from the manifolds to the mufflerpipe.
By the way, what is the abbreveration IIRC?

Thanks again.

Cor

 

IIRC = If I Remember Correctly

sounds better than "I think..."

You can purchase the downpipe from Walker, and it'll let you hook up a single inlet cat.

Way cheaper than original Ford dealer parts.

-Jackson-

 

..........IIRC..........
Got you

Over here I do not need a Catalytic converter at all, so if I need a replacement muffler (or before?) I will take the Cat out altogether.
A friend of mine had the system replaced with a stainless steel system, custom made from before the cat to the end for about $ 600 a few years back, and that is the route I would take too.
That system will last 'forever'
As far as emissions go, apart from the fact that we do not need a Cat on this modelyear, we run on propane, so the emissions are very low anyway.
Cor