99 Ranger 4.0L Catayltic Converter question

[mlunsford]

I have a 99 Ranger 4.0L and both of my heads cracked. I replaced the heads, but I believe I clogged my precats due to fouled plugs.

My Ranger has precats on each side of the exhaust manifolds. This then ties together and then there are two more cats before the muffler.

My pricing on the precats, which includes the piping is about $340-400. - Magnaflow direct boltup.

I am tempted to gut the precats, but I live in CA and wonder it if I can rely on the secondary cats that located right before the muffler to get me past smog?

Maybe even replacing the secondary cats with a new setup as these are cheaper than the precats.

Anyone got any ideas ?

 

[RickOTR]

Magnaflows are not legal in California. When you go to get your biannual emissions done they will fail you. A friend of mine who works at a Ford dealership said that Ford only keeps them in stock for three years after production date then destroys them. Junk yards cannot sell them as it illegal. I guess this is a way for the EPA to get people like me and you to buy new cars/trucks.

 

[mlunsford]

The ford cats are listed for sale but cost over $1k. I have also read somewhere that the smog inspections they do not actually look at the labels, and if they would these are the precats which would not be visible (or tough to view at least). And magnflows are legal in CA, you need to make sure you select the correct part number.

 

[RickOTR]

Last time I talked to Magnaflow Rep, he said they were illegal in California. I wanted them to go with my Bassani exhaust system. Ford still lists and sells them, but locating one can be a PITA.

 

[Cobraguy]

I installed a nice set of legal converters for an OHV 4.0 from Eastern. I believe it was about $250. Check them or Walker and see if they offer something for your application. You don't have to go with the Ford cats to be legal.

 

[mlunsford]

Since I have 99 OHV, I have the precats and ODBII compliance for CA. My fouled pluggs I believe clogged my precats.

I have been very tempted to buy the Magnaflow 93110 which is legal in CA for about $350.

Interesting, I did not come across any Eastern Cats there were legal in CA at least for the ODBII.

I have another year before inspection again. I am thinking of gutting my precats for now and if needed buying the 93110 before the next inspection if needed.