Alright so I've been putting this off for quite a while. Been plagued by this shit for too long. Started a few years ago, would clear the code and after a while it would pop back up. Initially wasn't a big deal until it was time to E-Check the vehicle for my county to renew the plates. Long story short it became a problem and the code wouldn't go away. Thinking that at nearly 130,000 miles I should just replace the cats, my dumbass went against my better judgement and bought a set of cheap ebay cats to throw on. This worked. For a little while.

So the code continues to rise it's ugly head time after time during the drive cycle at 40mph speeds. When I replaced the cats I replaced all 4 oxygen sensors to make sure they were in good working order. I've logged data on my superchip and the sensors are all functioning. When I replaced my stock cats I cut them out. (I know, against my better judgement) and the combs were clean..

So here we are. I'm finally going to do it right like I should have the first time and replace them with a quality part. Now this is still pricey depending on the route you go, but it needs to be done. Jeep has been on the back burner for a while and she deserves some attention.

Do I replace the Y-Pipe with a factory replacement? Go with Walker Y-Pipe? or do I replace the manifolds and go with a Pacesetter Long tube header setup with their y-pipe (either WITH cats or NO cats).

With my pricing I can do the long tube headers and catted y-pipe for under $500 bucks. Part of me wants to go that route, however the I recently replaced the manifolds with new dorman parts a few years ago, so i know they aren't cracked. The other part of me just wants to throw some good cats on and just make it right, not do a bunch of extra work that won't have a ton of benefit.

 

I couldn't see doing headers, been there and done that on another vehicle (two actually) and keeping them tight against the block sucks. I too have Dorman manifolds and I think I'd go back towards factory as much as possible, even if they means going with the Walker y pipe. I'd also be half tempted to check scrap yards via car-part.com and see what they're asking for factory cats. It may or may not be a feasible plan, but worth looking. The other thing- what does that nipple look like on your gas tank? Mine was cracked and that was causing an intermittent evap leak code.

 

Karl! good to hear from you man. Hope all is well. The more I've thought about it after posting I'm leaning towards Walker or Pacesetter Y-Pipe replacement. My only "pro" for going with the headers would be the fact that I wouldn't have to fight the tight exhaust joints where the manifolds meet the y-pipe connections. Those are such a pain in the ass...

I would rather just buy new parts than use scrap stuff.

As for my Evap stuff, I know the oiece you're talking about and I replaced that years ago so i should be good there. I also replaced the fuel pump module because that plastic ring was full of hairline cracks.

 

Yep, the clearances up there suck, a lot. But to avoid burning up plugs and such, it's the route I'd go. I also removed the next section of pipe but you can wrap a ratchet strap on it and really crank it towards the rear axle (ratchet strap to the axle or rear bumper). That should give you room to get the y pipe in and fit it with the rest of the system. Glad to hear it's not the fuel pump though, that's where I keep having issues and it's just waiting to go full critical.

Glad to see you've not gotten rid of the ol girl, I was concerned when I saw the bikes start popping up. Hopefully you'll be able to get this resolved and get back to social distancing. If you guys make it down to Windrock, let me know, I'm local now....though still not on 37's like the cool kids.

 

Only way I'm getting rid of her is if i need to liquidate to pay for a down payment on a house.. She's been with me since day one.