Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Test pipe install

[RJ2]

Having a problem installing the test pipe. The sleeve on the front of the cat has an indented ring from the clamp. I did not want to trash the cat in case the pipe causes increased resonation or noise. Any hot tips? I think I will probably air chisel it and mig it back if I have to. Anyone notice an increase in objectional noise. 74K I think it might have some black stuff in it.

Thanks RJ

 

[Tom C]

RJ, I have no muffler but still have the cat. No objectionable cab noise here. On a '97 I had I tried 4" (no cat. no muff) all the way back and it was LOUD. . sounded like a dump truck. I put the cat back on and it had more cab harmonics than my current stock exhaust with muffler removed.



Tom

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by RJ2

Any hot tips?

The blue one. Use a cutting torch to heat the junction red hot and it will wiggle right off and be totally reusable. I never noticed a difference in sound removing cats.

 

[Forrest]

Mine had the 4" cat-back system before I removed the cat. The muffler was just a 12" long 'resonator'. With the cat gone, it got too loud ... for me anyway. So I routed the exhaust straight out the back with a turn-down on the end. End of problem.

 

[HerbW]

Pull that CAT!!!

I removed the cat and left the muffler and it isn't much difference in sound. It does have a smoother, opener sound that I like. I had the same problem you are having. I finally took a Dremel tool with a metal cutting bit and cut a slit on either side of the front of my cat pipe. I then moved my cat up and down to get it looser. I then took a strap and come along and pulled on the cat against my back trailer hitch. Then with tension on it I moved the cat around and it finally popped off. They don't come off easily. I didn't have a torch and not sure if I really wanted to use it on the cat. I hope to never have to reinstall it! Herb

 

[JStordahl]

RJ2: I've got a '96... ... ... where did you get the test pipe? I'm thinking the cat would rather hide in the corner of the garage than under my truck.

 

[HerbW]

A test pipe!

Believe it or not I bought it from the Dodge Stealers. OOOPs, I mean Dealer! I think it was made for '94 Dodge CTD trucks. I believe that year came without the cat. I'm sure someone online will have the part number and will post it for you. By the way, They don't list it as a "test'' pipe. I found it on their microfiche with all the exaust pipes. I believe it is also 42" long. They sell a shorter one also for short boxes. It costed me $42. 00. Good Luck, Herb

 

[RJ2]

One of the problems I was having is the truck has a banks muffler and pipes and not sure the test pipe would fit. I just moved and have not been able to find my mics.

 

[illflem]

The test pipe fits fine with a Banks set up. Genos used to sell the pipes, I haven't looked recently though.

 

[ronco]

I got this part number from the DodgeRam web site. DC part number is 52019170AB, convertor test pipe. Hope this helps. I have been thinking about this myself. Do a search for my name and a link called "Straight pipe ?".



Ronco

 

[HerbW]

Ronco has it!

Yes, That's the number for the pipe! If it's a factory cat it will work being they're the same size from end to end. Thanks Ronco, Herb

 

[Gifford]

test pipe

I ended up destroying the cat in order to save it... lol. Its crimped on there GOOD. Truck is a little bit louder at idle.