2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Old Man Needs Exhaust Info

[JackR]

I've belonged to TDR since 1999 right after I bought a 1995 Dodge CTD 2WD Reg. Cab SLT to pull a light fifth wheel. It is all stock with the exception of a K&N filter. I'm always amazed at the length and breadth of knowledge of the members yet never really had a need to post a question so I guess there's a first time for everything. I've found (after noticing a change in exhaust tone) that the pipe coming out of the converter and connecting to the muffler has pulled away from the converter. The pipe pulled away from the converter leaving a small piece of converter outlet around it. Nothing appears to be in danger of falling off as all the supports are secure. My questions: 1) Do all CTD's come off the line with converters? I have found some references that seem to indicate that some don't. 2) Can I simply pull it and have a straight pipe installed? 3) Will a shop legally do it for me? 4) Should I have the whole system replaced? 5) Why do I see some aftermarket systems that have no converter -- and are they legal? (And BTW local muffler shop says $700+ to replace all. ) My truck has 80,000 miles on it and while I now have a slightly heavier fifth wheel than before, it does the job east of the Mississippi. I have to admit to looking at the new ones; I'd like to travel west but don't feel I've got the pulling power for the mountains (plus a bigger cab would help). I've even (gasp) looked at Fords and Chevys but the CTD has been so reliable and runs so well I want to stay with it. Appreciate any advice.

 

[bmoeller]

Some trucks have resonator instead of a convertor. The shop that quoted you $700+ is a rip-off. You can do much better. I bought mine thru http://shop.ivalueinternet.com/bigexhaust/index.cfm/action/shop_by_subcat/category_id/44.htm Got the whole system for almost half of what you were quoted. They have several brands to choose from.



If you do have a convertor and removed it, unless you live where you are required to do an annual emissions test, I don't think you would be bothered for it. My grandpa had a muffler shop remove his cat. and muffler on his Powerstroke. No problems.

 

[illflem]

'95 - '98 12 valves have a cat. You can replace it with a pipe leaving the muffler in place and probably should, at 80k it's probably close to being plugged. You'll have to do it yourself, it's illegal for a shop to remove it.

 

[bighammer]

My 94 had no resonator or catalytic converter.



You might find a shop to remove it, but not sure how legal it is for them to do it.

 

[JackR]

In Maryland, diesels are not required to have the every two year emissions check. Anyone ever hear of The Diesel Connection, South Mountain Road, Joppa, MD. ? They were a link on the bigexhaust.com website. Probably take a ride up there.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Cooker]

1994 model year trucks built after 1/1/94 had CAT convertors.

 

[JackR]

Cooker: Not being all that mechanical, is the cat essentially for political correctness or does it actually serve a function? It has to bog down flow, especially with age.

 

[MLee]

exhuast

Jack;

check your emission laws to see if it is required, some shops will not notice because it is a diesel. if you replace it your self,(install) you might remove the ceramic plug that is in it and you will have a look a-like, get a piece of 4" pipe and run it all the way through, its 4" out, (then you have the shell of the converter, you didn't here that here) alot a tdr members have done this. if your caught hang on to your BUTT. you might check the classifieds (TDR) for some local members that have removed there systems, and up graded to 4"

just me penny's worth

Marv.

 

[TowPro]

Re: exhuast

I think you will find all the replacement exhaust systems people hear advertise are available for your truck, without a converter.



If a mechanic looks under the truck, and sees a "test pipe" where the converter should go, he should not let it pass inspection as the emissions system has been modified.



Now if that same mechanic looks under the truck and sees a brand new, straight pipe from the front to the muffler, he will never know there ever was a cat there unless he looks at the emissions sticker under the hood and reads catalyst on it.



If it was me, I would replace the front pipe, muffler and what ever else it needs using the part number without the cat. If later you find you need it , you could buy just the pieces you need to reinstall a new converter. The converter is the most expensive part so this will save you a good bit of money.



You should not have any problem finding somebody to install your exhaust for you if you don't want to mess with it. If they say something, just tell them "its for off-road use only" as your going to retire it to your farm

 

[bmoeller]

I do not know if they are still in business, but you might be able to get a 4" cat. if necessary, assuming they're still open. It was somewhere around $100?



Powerhouse Diesel Performance



Pendleton, OR



Ph. 888-388-3430



They had an ad in the PSR. Was still there in their Winter '02 mag. The website address doesn't work, so I don't know for sure.

 

[JackR]

Thanks!

Thank you all for your views. I did check out the place I referred to earlier and will see them in the AM. Turns out they are two former Cummins shop mechanics who ventured out on their own and actually have their shop in the middle of a large RV dealership. Smart marketing move. They appear to be very flexible in their approach to solving my problem. Thanks again.

 

[DBrickel]

I just had a 4" turbo down installed yesterday and the muffler shop just enlarged the input and output of the converter( I need to leave it on for emisions)and folowed by a Donaldson muffler. Nice improvement in performance and a nice deep throaty sound. Don't know if its allowed to name the shop But they are from Auburn Wa. and did a great job. Price$595. including sales tax. Gov takes nice bite.















































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[grtescpa]

The Cat

My 97 has 90k on it. Still has the original cat. I did change the exhast system to a Banks low restriction muffler. No power or mpg loss noted. Cat is required to pass NYS inspection and they do look for it to be there. If you can get away with removing it by all means take it off.