The early Rams are the only ones that actually see an improvement in performance from the exhaust. Change the y-pipe out to an off road y with a universal cat and then some flavor of a cat back exhaust.

'Tis what I would do.

 

Just put an fatter exhaust, new o2 sensor, water pump, cat, cap&rotor, wires, and new shocks on the truck..

BTW, the new exhaust and o2 senor made the idle much smoother, even with a noisy IAC valve.

It sounds really good, doesn't bounce for 10 seconds after hitting bumps, idle is very smooth, but not much power gain over the clogged cat.

I really like the truck again, less noisy, no pings up the hills, faster acceleration,, goodness all round.

@All: Thanks for all the help and suggestions..

Just waiting for the new IAC to get rid of the "buzz sawing" throttle body and I'm good to go and start ...

on the front end that feels like it's ready to fall off.