I am wanting to replce the converter on my 1995 4.0 OHV -- but I am unsure if I should get a direct-fit replacement -- or a universal application.

Does anyone have any reccomendations?

I am considering the Magnaflow 23385 direct-fit converter, made to fit precisely in the stock location, but would also consider a single, universal converter if it would be better suited for anything that I do not know about.

Thanks.

 

universal with a custom downpipe off ur headers with the o2

 

Not to rain on your parade, Adam, but why not leave the factory cats on there?

 

They've been on there for 100,000 miles. I figure since I am re-doing most of the truck anyhow -- why not replace them. Don't they [not go "bad"] but go bad after a while?

 

ur right in some aspects, but if the vehicle is running good then it should last. only when excessive fuel (thermal) gets into it and melts the catalyist or it gets physically damaged is when they usually fail.

ur thinking is good though.

 

The failure mode is usually that they become less effective as an emission control device. They rarely clog up unless they have been severely overtemped by misfire or incorect mixture.

One problem that could occur is a check engine light. 1995 is the first year for OBDII on Rangers. The cat monitor could trigger a CEL if the cat is "worn out" from age and miles. This is a good arguement for a replacement set of cats. I still think stock is your best bet but it would almost surely cost you more than aftermarket.

 

Well, Magnaflow makes a direct-fit, same as stock for the Ranger. If I was to replace them, I for sure wouldn't go stock.

Thanks for the input, Bob, I was really really hoping that you would chime in, but if I did replace, would you recommend a direct fit with the twin-cat's, or a single?

I haven't seen the truck yet, so I don't know if I have how many O2 sensors and air pipe, etc.

 

You probably have three oxygen sensors, two before the cats (for mixture control) and one more after some or all of the cats (for the cat efficiency monitor).

As far as cats, the truck probably came with 3 or 4 of them, two small ones in front to get the exhaust hot enough to quickly "light-off" the big cat(s) in back which do almost all of the cleanup due to their larger surface area.

From an emissions point of view, it's important to have the small ones in the system. Otherwise the large cats take a long time getting up to an efficient temperature range. Even if they do, the temperature can easily drop off during periods of idling and low speed driving. This is a major problem if you have to submit to a state I/M testing procedure where you must wait in line for your emission test.

If the Magnaflows have all of the components of the factory cat system, they should be fine as a replacement.

 

Well, I know that there are two near or even ON the Y-pipe, and then some pipe and then the converters back to back.

I think on my last Splash when I was stupid, I took off one of them -- can't remember if it was the first or second in line.

So, I know I want to run them, I don't really want to take any of them off and the Magnaflow is only the back to back one -- number's 3 and 4 down the chain. As far as the first two, I hope the Y-pipe from the JBA's will have something on there.

I might wait until I get under the truck to do anything from the cat-forward.

 

Yes, the two small light-off cats are in the two runners of the y-pipe. Many Rangers have the larger back-to-back cat arrangement behind the y-pipe. Not sure exactly how it's configured on a 95, though.

 

That's how mine is, Bob, if the same as the '94 I had. One in each of the Y-Pipes and then two in-line back to back near the center of the chassis.