Well, I go to start my truck this morning and it's quiet as hell, (exhaust was torn out before the stock muffler). Now I cant tell it's running. My first thought was a bad cat, took it for a spin and I dont really notice a power loss, it's always been slow. When I put it in park it and give it some gas I hear a faint rattling noise.

Think my cats bad?

Edit: Spoke too soon, went to go to school this morning and floored it went about 10mph. Had to crawl back home. guess they're bad =P

 

Yup bad cat, gut it or replace it.

 

replace the 02 sensor as well.

also search the "Plenum Gasket" this could be the cause of the bad cat.

 

Take a rubber mallet, and hit the bottom of the cat, up-ward. Listen for loose pieces.

 

How far back does the plenum issue run, like could my 94 be effected by it. and what problems would it cause other than clogging up the cat.

 

Best way to do this? i heard of knocking it out with a pry bar and hitting the catalyst out with a hammer. I saw someone just cut it open with angle grinder, take it out, then weld it back together. Thoughts?

 

I know for sure, it's 94 -01. All second genners. I've heard that the 3rd genners are having this problem also (still). One other problem you'll have is loss of power.

 

its can clog CAT, foul plugs, foul precat 02 sensor, make it run like crap, give you crappy mpgs, oil consumption, and yes yours will be affected, and have the problem. Its actually a really easy job to do. Just pay attention

 

The best way IMO is to cut the whole thing out and replace it with a y-pipe, that way you won't get a drone in the sound of your exhaust system.

 

Well, I cut a section in the cat, removed the honeycomb, and welded it backup. Man that thing sounds nasty. Time to weld on the glasspack.