Exhaust help

[Barnes]

Long time lurker, first time poster. 94 ZJ 4.0

Need some help. I need to replace my rotten cat and muffler. I am thinking about removing the cat and just putting a pipe to a new muffler and tailpipe. Does anyone have any experience doing this? I have never worked on an exhaust system before. What is involved with taking the old parts out and clamping a new system in? The system has clamps now and doesn't look like it is welded. Will it be a straight pipe from the piece before the cat to the new muffler?

The reason I am doing this is because I am between jobs right now and need to  do this as cheeply as possible. I got a qoute at a muffler shop and it was $500 bucks. My poor Jeep is really down on power and gas milage is down as well.

I am mechanically inclined but please answer as though I am an idiot. Any parts store/parts recommendations would be appreciated as well.

[apex]

first off... welcome out of the closet and into the light. I am not familiar with your rig, but there might be some helpfull information here.
http://www.calgaryjeep.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=456

[redbull]

I picked up an OEM replacement muffler and tailpipe from Canadian Tire for my YJ for under $100 including new clamps. It fit great and is quiet.

[henry]

I would not get rid of the cat, I think you have two O2 sensors, one before and after the cat, (check to make sure, I may be wrong).  If you have two, don't cut out the catalytic converter because it will most likely cause poor running.  

The computer measures cat efficiency by monitoring both O2 sensors, and adjusts tuning from there, if there is no difference between the O2 sensor readings (in the computers opinion) it will cause the truck to run weird.  This is not written in stone, but I would replace the converter before completely removing it.  Older vehicles it will work fine, because you only have one o2 sensor, like on my Comanche.  Just my two cents.

Darren :twisted: