I like my magnaflo cat. I'd buy it again if i had to. When i saw you guys were paying $158 for your magnaflow cats, it just reminds me how bad i'm getting raped here in Cali. I paid almost $400 for mine.

 

I just put a Walker Ultrafit cat and Y pipe on and it fit like a glove. I also noticed a bit more noise and its probably my imagination but my truck seems to have more power.

 

Get a DynoMax (same as Walker) high-flow cat or a Magnaflow high-flow cat. I know both work well.

 

I'll throw in a +1 for the flowmaster direct-fit stainless....mine fit perfectly on my 01 but it will be a different part number than your 98 (00-01 have some sort of exhaust difference on the y pipes)

 

I took a look at my exhaust and noticed that there's no flange, is that typical for our trucks?

 

Are you talking about the end of the cat pipe between the cat and the muffler? If so then yea, there's no flange there....just a slip fit there. The aftermarket ones require the use of an exhaust clamp there to prevent leaks.

 

How easy is it to slip off?

 

I don't think "easy" enters anywhere into it..... You might get lucky, but, don't hold your breath. Torch makes it easier. (don't cut if off, heat it up, then try and slip it out, if that doesn't work, cut it off.....)

 

Map gas torch work well enough for that? Or would a normal propane torch be enough?

 

Don't know if they get hot enough... I always used oxy/acetylene.... gotta get the outer pipe cherry red, so it deforms easier, and will actually let go of the inner pipe.