While changing oil at the dealer's shop on my 2006 3500 CT mechanic detected a rattling noise coming from the catalityc converter. During next change he opened it up to diagnose problem. He then phoned the manufacturer and got go ahead to change it. Total cost about $1500 (paid by Dodge). They're waiting now for the parts to arrive and to be replaced. Truck is perfectly driveable with excellent mileage and power and I'm afraid that during the operation they will screw something up.

My question is: did anyone have any problems with his CC and what are the consequences of replacing it?

 

As soon as they put the new one on, take the truck home and take it off and replace it with straight pipe! The cat really does nothing but restrict your exhaust flow, and make your exhaust a bit quieter. Mine does me much more good rusting in my garage then my truck

 

Mocho, I wonder if I can do it. The 2 year old truck with 25,000 mi is still on waranty.

 

Depends on your dealer. Some are really sticky some don't care. I was in to the dealer for an alignment with my truck with no muffler or cat and they didn't say a thing. Not like I really care, but they didn't make a note of it on the paperwork or anything. I know some will completly refuse to work on a truck without a cat, but i'm sure some techs don't even know what a cat is

 

Mocho, do you want to say that the truck's on-board computer will not know that catalityc converter has been removed?

 

Your ECM will never know its gone. ^^

 

Yep, it won't affect your computer at all. Mine's been off for months and no codes or anything. Just good sounding exhaust! My guess is that your cat cracked off in the front? Seem to be a pretty common issue.

 

All they told me was that there is a rattle coming from catalityc converter. Actually, they even did not give me repair sheet from the diagnostic work. I'll ask for that when the part arrives.

 

I have to agree, say bye-bye to the kitty and say hello to sweet sounding notes coming from the truck as well as an increase in mpg. There are only 3 things that will notice once the kitty has left; you, your wallett and the car next to you when you take off at a green light.

 

it depends on your state. if you have exhaust inspections then they will check if you have one. if you dont there is a hefty fine to pay.

 

Illinois has emissions testing but diesels are exempt.

 

Thanks for all good comments.

Since I'm afraid to void my warranty by removing catalityc converter, I'll be waiting for the Dodge to go under, which is a real possibility. My 5 year warranty then will be worth nothing and any modifications will be safe to perform.

 

See if your tech will let you have the old one to put back on(after surgery is performed on it in your garage). Just don't tell him why.

 

There is another option, On my old 97 F350 the cat got so plugged up that I pulled it off used a piece of rebar and a hammer and had at it. Knocked all the innards out of the kitty and when it was completely gutted put it back on as an empty shell. Still looked stock but flow was improved greatly....

 

the only down side to removing you converter in my opinion it the terrible stink your exhaust will be putting out since its not burning clean anymore. with the converter on you can almost breathe the air coming out your pipe. after the converter is gone they stink even at idle.