Found out today my Cat is bad. I am having a hard time finding a replacement. It says my van is Federal and California equipped. No one seems to have the correct replacement. Does anyone have any idea what cat to buy? I called Catco and they do not have a replacement. My mechanic called his two suppliers, and they don't have one. 2003 ram van 1500 3.9L

 

If you live in California then buy that one, if not then buy the Federal unit. On California models I believe you will find a small tube attached to the side of the cat that will have a pipe or hose attached to it. Federal units do not.

 

Strange, Catco lists a part number #9018 for your application. I was able to find both California and Federal catalytic convertors from several manufacturers for your van at RockAuto.com. If your van was built with California emissions equipment then you'll need the CA version, otherwise you want the Federal.

 

I called Catco and they said they do not have one for my van. Rock Auto is going to check with Eastern Manufacturer to see if model 20347 is the one. I think you are right, if it is built with the California emissions, I have to replace it with one. Some people say you don't. That is my dilemma.

 

Currently emission laws in most states mandate that whatever emission controls the vehicle came with from the manufacturer have to be on there and have to appear to be functional. Wether or not it actually has to pass a sniff test depends on your city/state.

This universal cat is California legal, but its not a bolt on so you might have to take it to a shop to get it welded on:

http://amzn.com/B008N3X7CE

 

Thanks so much for the information blackvan. I am looking into a direct fit up to the manifold. The pipes leaving the cat look pretty rusty. If not, I will go with the Walker unit.

 

Can not find a direct fit for California compliance for a 2003 ram van. Magnaflow has a unit 45209 but it only goes up to 2002. It looks like it will fit. I called the company and they said it has not been tested on a 2003.

 

Catco and Eastern list the exact same cat model numbers for 2000 - 2003. My assumption would be that if other manufacturer's units will fit 2000 - 2003, the Magnaflow would too. Do as much research as you can.

 

My 2003 van is TITLED as a 2003. It actually is a 2002. From the discussion I had with a dealer parts guy, the 2003 are rebadged 2002s...they are the same van.

 

I thought so too but recently discovered there are some differences. The 2003 van comes with 16" wheels and uses completely different brake calipers that are larger. Most of us with the '97 - '02 seem to agree that the brakes are just adequate. I'm assuming the new caliper is an upgraded version.