Man you can get the whole converter assembly with pipes for @$200 on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Ram-15...#ht_1315wt_783

Direct fir from Summit without pipes for @$100

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ct...model/ram-1500

Any of those from rock auto will fit, but there are cheaper ones out there. Google is your friend.

 

wanted to thank you guys for the help.

got a direct fit one for $200 shipped. unbolted and cut the old one out....couple u clamps, new one in, and passed emissions easily.

no more check engine light. i've only gotten 12.6mpg the last 2 tanks though. down 1mpg from my typical average. figured unclogging the exhaust would have helped the efficiency a bit, not hurt it. strange

and unfortunately right before fixing the cat i blew a front u-joint out that set me back $350 (axle couldnt be salvaged), plus a day of work to find the part locally and swap it out. ugh. life goes on.

 

The new cat is probably being more restrictive which be would why your other one was failing emissions testing.