I'm trying to decide whether I should go a head and bu a jba shorty header and cat back exhaust. But I won't do it if I have to pay a shop. I've installed cat back systems but never a exhaust header.

 

Depends on your skill level and tool selection. It's basically unbolting the stock headers from the engine and down pipes and installing the new ones. Problems arise when you snap off manifold bolts. Everything is no doubt rusty and been through many, many heat/cool cycles so it's going to be a pia to remove. Use lots of penetrating oil over the course of a few days. Might make it easier.

 

I did this on my old truck 97 Ram, not the dakota. I put the shorty headers in myself easy enough, but for the cat back exhaust, the pipe needed to be cut. So I ended up going to midas for that part. Wasn't too expensive plus there was a bar next door. They called saying they were done about the time I finished my second beer.

 

I did it in one day by myself. Pretty easy, just gotta be patient.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...aders-diy.html