I recently got a code p0420, I know it isnt bad or anything expect it made me want to cut off the cat anyways, it atleast gut it. Is there anything I should be aware of or an easier way of getting it without taking off? It is a 2002 dakota slt quad cab

 

My 01 wouldn't let me, I tried, so an 02 won't let you either unless you want a constant chronic check engine light.
i had an injector(s) stick wide open on me, within 6 miles of putting a brand new cat onto it, made the whole exhaust glow cherry red and melted down said brand new cat. So once I figured out what was going on, I stuck a pipe in the exhaust in place of the cat.i wasn't about to waste the money on another until I was sure I had the problem solved. It also took out a freshly rebuilt engine with the same 6 miles on it. Washed out the cylinders/ rings/bearings.

So I was determined to run catless until I was completely sure that it wouldn't happen again. But once that Damn CEL appeared with the PO420 I had to put another cat onto my rig, because I wasn't about to stare at that orange light all the time.
On some of the older ones you could get by with it.
But then again if you live in an emissions test area they won't pass you without a cat even if you blow good numbers out of the tailpipe.

 

Even if I gutted the cat it would have problems? I cant imagine everything like that going wrong because of 1 little thing, I already have it fully straight piped expect of the cats, I have dual exhaust setup with cherry bombs but wanted it a little louder. I was thinking cut a thing on the side and dump out the insides

 

If you have inspections, you will fail. Your truck will stink and sound terrible straight piped.

 

a v8 sounding terrible? Is there videos of fully straight piped 5.9l v8 that you've found? fill look again, I also do not have inspections in my state.

 

the cheater fix is spark plug anti-fowlers but you didn't hear it from me...Illegal!!

 

So is gutting a cat. Or just simply eliminating it.

 

I've used anti-foul adapters over the years and I've never heard of them being illegal. Removing or gutting the converter though is a Federal Offense.

 

Gut or remove the cat then pull the rear o2 sensor out and zip tie it to the frame. The only thing the rear sensor does is monitor the cat, by taking a reading and comparing it to the o2 sensor before the cat, as long as its reading lower you won't get a code.

 

I know this sounds kinda janky but I dont have access to a welder and I live in a small town but what if I cut out the side of the cat then used the big exhaust clamps to shut it back off again? Or is this gonna not work and I'll have to buy a welder?