Need cat converter help fast

[Greg Frasier]

My Explorer is a V8 5.0 all wheel drive that had a very limited build period in 1997. I need to replace the cat converter and due to this specific build the Ford parts are going to cost me $1666 (after generous discount) and $173 for labor. It's a 3 section unit with 4 O2 sensors. I was told that in order for them to garantee the job, they need to replace everything.

Here's my question. Do I have options? Monro, Midas, an internet company, or do I have to rely on Ford for my truck to run right again.

I appereciate any help with this.

Greg Frasier

 

[DonM]

www.fordpartsnetwork.com

Your X isnt under warrenty?

 

[Garth]

There was someone selling cats for X's on ebay, check it out.

 

[section525]

Is the $1666 for all four cats? Anyway, a lot of members here have aftermarket hi-flow cats. They are much much cheaper. Check out summitracing.com or truckperformance.com maybe.

I have the complete exhaust setup off my '96 5.0 if youre interested. Everything seemed to be okay when I took it apart in November..

 

[dogfriend]

If you have the part numbers needed, try www.fordpartsnetwork.com to see what the parts price would be.

I'm also thinking that you could get an aftermarket cat to substitute for yours. Are you in California? In CA you have to get 'equivalent" parts to be legal, but I'm not sure of other states laws regarding substitution of an aftermarket cat.

 

[DonM]

Originally posted by section525
Is the $1666 for all four cats?

I thought that X only came with two cats?

 

[Greg Frasier]

Thanks for all the replys. I'm in NY, it's not under warentee. I'm searching some of these sites right now.

 

[dogfriend]

Originally posted by DonM
I thought that X only came with two cats?

Depends on the engine and the year. Some have two, some have four.

 

[Greg Frasier]

Yeah, mine has 4.

 

[DonM]

I just checked for prices, sounds like you may be already getting a really GOOD deal!?

 

[Greg Frasier]

The OEM parts on the recommended sites are more expensive than my dealership quoted me. Anyone have a strong opinion on Monro, etc with situations like this? Ford told me that these places won't be able to locate after market parts to work with my truck...having to do with htis limited model I have.

 

[dogfriend]

I don't know about Monro, but I wouldn't go with Midas.

I once had Midas replace everything from the exhaust manifold back (because previous owner had modified it and it wasn't smog legal- the dealer who sold it to me paid) on a Toyota pickup. Two years later the tailpipe was rusting through (in CA where cars don't rust). When I took it back to the same shop that did the install I was told that the 'lifetime' warrenty didn't cover the tailpipe, only the muffler.

I would get quotes from other independent shops and also find out what will satisfy your local smog standards. If the local shops are just as expensive and/or you won't be legal with an aftermarket cat, then maybe you bite the bullet and go with the Ford offer. Im thinking youll find a better deal somewhere in the aftermarket though.

 

[Greg Frasier]

I'll be making the calls in the morning. Thanks for the advice.

 

[james t]

first things first, IMHO i would in NO WAY spend that kind of $$$ on exhaust... you can order 2 highflow 2.25" cats from either www.summitracing.com or www.jegs.com and have an exhaust shop run new tubing. it will be a little more work than usual, because they will need to weld in 2 rear O2 bungs. replace the 4 with 2 aftermarket ones. i was quoted $150 to do this, and another $150 for the cats making it $300 total. this will be legal, and yes you will pass smog.

 

[Greg Frasier]

Runs like it used to now.

I wanted to let everyone know what the outcome was on my truck. Monro did a full tune up and changed 1 O2 sensor at $615. Said a full cat replacement or even a partial was not needed in their opinion. I have full power restored and saved over $2000.

Does anyone think it's worth mentioning to the service manager at Ford?

 

[dogfriend]

If it makes you feel better to tell them that they are incompetent, go ahead, but I'm guessing they have already heard it from former customers

Glad that it worked out for you.