Hello everyone! Ive had a problem with my catalytic converter (rattling) for about 4 months. Well, now my check engine light has come on. I took it to Autozone they did a code test and he said it was the cat conv. Anyway, ive noticed my engine working a little harder since the check engine light came on. Ive been told not to worry about it until I have to take it to emissions test. My question is can I go ahead an saw my catalytic converter off? I wont have a emissions done until 3 months from now. Im saving up $ to buy a new one and get it installed. I want it to stop rattling in the mean time. hehe. Thanks for you help!
JR

 

Technically, you can just saw off the cat and put a straight pipe in. Legally, no.
You can go to Jeg's, and you can get one for a pretty decent price (they have some for less than $100). I would assume you can saw the old one off and clamp the new one in its place.
IIRC, they had some type of recalls or extended warrenty on the cat convertors. You might want to search in the Dakota and Ram boards for this, or call and talk to the dealer.

 

Before going out and buying a new catalytic converter make sure to check your extended warranty. The catalytic converter is covered under the Federal Government and is required by law on vehicles made since 1975. There are only two ways you can replace a catalytic converter legally. One is if it gets damaged. This could be for several reasons. An accident, or more common to trucks damage from driving off the beaten path. The Ceramic substrate is fragile and can crack if shaken or beat on too hard or too many times. That is usually what causes the "death rattle" in convertors. Poorly tuned engines can also damage the cat. Oils, lead or carbon can damage the cat from performing at full efficiency.
The other way the cat can be replaced legally is if the extended warranty expires. In that cases the cat is supposed to be replaced anyway.

 

This is what I found from Dodge on the warranty coverage.

The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device.

 

nice research lil. the dealer ship most likely will not cover the cat for almost any reason. yes, you can just chop it off until you have to buy a new one. your check engine will stay on because your o2 sensor after the cat will have an inaccurate reading, but your truck will sound mean.(if you have a v8).so, go ahead and get rid of the cat, i dont think they are necessary anyway. you're better off with an offroad pipe.

 

Thanks for everyones research and help!