Hey everyone, I recently picked up a 1999 Ram 1500 5.2L 2wd 5Spd extended cab truck. I plan to use it around my property as a work/farm truck so I don’t destroy my personal truck. The Ram runs like a top it just has the typical 90s well used truck issues. I say well used but it only has 97,XXX miles. I’m a long time chevy guy this is my first Dodge EVER. I’ve read through some threads before posting this just trying to gain as much information I can. Only thing the truck has had done to it other than stock is the catalytic converters have been removed by the previous owner due to being clogged. I’m now heading down the rabbit hole of trying to remedy the CEL with spark plug non-foulers any info behind this would be much appreciated.

 

I think there is a thread on this in the DIY/FAQ section here..... but, essentially, you take two non-foulers, drill one completely thru, screw that one onto the post-cat O2 sensor, then the unmodified on onto that, then screw the whole thing into the exhaust. Should clear up the cat efficiency codes.

Welcome to DF!

 

So when the cats were removed they cut the front sensor off with it, they installed new piping and left the rear sensor. I just found the wiring and re-wired the front sensor, also added a bung to thread it into the exhaust stream. Haven't installed non-fouler yet hopefully the ECM is satisfied with the parameters it is reading. I reset it so its just down to drive cycles until then. Anyone else delete the cats in this fashion? or are you guys just busting them out and reinstalling the hollow body?

 

Replacing the cat with a straight pipe gives you much better flow, than a hollow cat.....

 

The upstream O2 sensor is the important one… keep it in the stock position.
If the cat has been pulled (or gutted) the downstream O2 should be fitted with the anti fouler to avoid codes.
There are short and long versions of the anti fouler… if you use the longer version you don’t need to drill out and stack them (as you would with the short ones).
Make sure you have enough clearance for the sensor pigtail.
Don’t use a Bosch sensor as these trucks don’t like them… I think most use NGK.