removing the two catalysts converters under the JK
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 92
Likes: 1
From: Fort Worth, TX
Removed the back two cats/resonators
I recently had several codes and for the life of me couldn’t figure out what was going on. After a lot of research and talking to my local mechanic he recommended to take it to the dealership. I have almost 150K and bought my Jeep new in 2008 but thought I was going to get robbed at the dealership, luckily the lifetime warranty is alive and well. They fixed three oil leaks, covered, had to replace my radiator, not covered, replaced my left manifold cover, covered and told me my catalytic converters needed to be replaced, not covered (these are covered up to 80K). I had everything done except the catalytic converters, I wasn’t convinced because of the manifold and thought it might be the cause of my code being thrown. I didn’t have any codes come on after almost a week but my Jeep didn’t have the power that I was use to (not that there is much anyways)... I took it down to a local muffler shop and he confirmed my front two converters were bad. He cut the four out and replaced them with two high flow converters and left the 4 sensors in with 2 in front and 2 behind. I have only had it back for about a day but I can tell the old ones were restricting the flow. I already had a cat-back flowmaster muffler but that low rumble is now back. I haven’t had any thrown codes and it drives like the Jeep I bought almost 10 years ago. I will post if I get a code any time soon. Oh and I saved about $300-400 hundred by cutting it down to two catalytic converters.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
From: Islip, NY
In going to tackle this job next weekend. I am going to remove my fender flares for easier access. I’ve read the how to already. I’m just looking for any good tips on replacing my cats 07 jk 3.8. I’m just going to cut or remove the old cat to exhaust manifolds. Ive read the original manifold is one piece. So I intend to cut it when removing to break it down since it’s trash. I will also remove tranny bracket and crissmember. I’ve ordered a aftermarket catalytic Converter so I know the fit isn’t gonna be good. But I can work with metal so I don’t think I will have any installation issues. Maybe a little modifying to get a good fit. Any help is appreciated thanks.
JK Junkie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,199
Likes: 218
From: Over the hill
In going to tackle this job next weekend. I am going to remove my fender flares for easier access. I’ve read the how to already. I’m just looking for any good tips on replacing my cats 07 jk 3.8. I’m just going to cut or remove the old cat to exhaust manifolds. Ive read the original manifold is one piece. So I intend to cut it when removing to break it down since it’s trash. I will also remove tranny bracket and crissmember. I’ve ordered a aftermarket catalytic Converter so I know the fit isn’t gonna be good. But I can work with metal so I don’t think I will have any installation issues. Maybe a little modifying to get a good fit. Any help is appreciated thanks.
If you have time, post some pics of what you come up with.
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Athens/Hellas
One year later...
I recently had several codes and for the life of me couldn’t figure out what was going on. After a lot of research and talking to my local mechanic he recommended to take it to the dealership. I have almost 150K and bought my Jeep new in 2008 but thought I was going to get robbed at the dealership, luckily the lifetime warranty is alive and well. They fixed three oil leaks, covered, had to replace my radiator, not covered, replaced my left manifold cover, covered and told me my catalytic converters needed to be replaced, not covered (these are covered up to 80K). I had everything done except the catalytic converters, I wasn’t convinced because of the manifold and thought it might be the cause of my code being thrown. I didn’t have any codes come on after almost a week but my Jeep didn’t have the power that I was use to (not that there is much anyways)... I took it down to a local muffler shop and he confirmed my front two converters were bad. He cut the four out and replaced them with two high flow converters and left the 4 sensors in with 2 in front and 2 behind. I have only had it back for about a day but I can tell the old ones were restricting the flow. I already had a cat-back flowmaster muffler but that low rumble is now back. I haven’t had any thrown codes and it drives like the Jeep I bought almost 10 years ago. I will post if I get a code any time soon. Oh and I saved about $300-400 hundred by cutting it down to two catalytic converters.
JK Jedi
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 11,358
Likes: 2,088
From: Willow Park, TX
