Need help on parts list. 5.0 AWD

[Big Red 1160]

I have owned a 1996 Ford Explorer 5.0 AWD XLT model for about 7 seven now. I recently started driving it in a regular basis back and forth to work everyday; which is about a 90 mile round 80 mile round trip per day. Since that time, I have started having all sorts of problems with the truck. My check engine light has been occasionally coming on and going off, now it never goes off. I took it to a local repair shop and they told me that it was two (left front and right front) of my four catalytic converters that were causing the vehicle to code. I was told that they could do the repairs but, it would cost around 1000-1200 bucks for new direct fit cats, $^&*. That is extremely high considering that the truck is only worth about 2000 dollars as it is. I called around to multiple shops and exhaust guru's and they all told me the same; "you must use direct fit, or the check engine light will not go off." Has anyone else found a better, more budget friendly permanent fix, I hate to spend that kind of change on an old truck. I know I can buy aftermarket catalytic converters, but they man not work. Some one has definitely dealt with this same issue in here, if you have had this problem and have found a different solution to the issue let me know please. Thanks.

 

[R1dd1cK]

Wow what a line of bs. You dont have to get driect fit cats. Hell you really only need the front cats. The rear ones can be removed. I know of several explorers running aftermarket high flow cats with no problems.