I have an 88 Wrangler. Trying to replace catalytic converter myself. Does this ginormous skid plate actually hold up the transmission? I need to remove it to get to the catalytic converter but i'm

SOURCE: catalytic converter

HI, this guide will help you with this replacement.

Step1 Lift your jeep. Unfortunately, the catalytic converter sits about midway down the length of your jeep, so lifting one end or the other will not do. Ramps are your best bet to get you within reach of the parts when working from home. Luckily, this is usually the hardest part of this repair. Step2 Be patient with the bolts, as they are often hard to remove due to size and awkward placement. You may have to drill or saw bolts to remove them. With this in mind, you should pick up new bolts, nuts and seals for your replacement project. Step3 Buy a catalytic converter specific to your jeep to avoid extra work. A generic part must be welded into the jeep, while a vehicle-specific model comes pre-welded to the proper pipes for easy bolt-on installation. Step4 Remove the 02 sensor (with an O2 wrench) before unbolting the catalytic converter. Then, you should remove the pipe connecting the sensor to the converter. Depending on your exhaust system, you may have to remove more pipes before you unbolt the converter from the muffler. Step5 Replace the old catalytic converter with a new one. This should be the easy part, as you simply bolt the new part in place. Step6 Reattach the exhaust pipes and 02 sensor, and the basic job is done. Make sure you replace any cracked or rusty pipes while you have the exhaust system apart.

• Catalytic converters often fall under a separate emissions warranty that lasts at least 7 years and 160,000 miles. Even if your car is out of its regular warranty, but it is a newer model, ask your dealer to replace the part for you free of charge.
• Rent the O2 wrench or socket if you do not own one. Most auto parts stores carry this tool for rentals.
• In many states, older (vintage) cars do not need a catalytic converter, so you can gut it or remove it completely. No damage will result from running a car without a converter.
• Due to emissions standards, it is illegal to buy or install used converters.

SOURCE: removing oil pan on 2003 jeep wrangler with auto trans

use a pair of plyers and pull down on the plastic it should just be slid on the bolt take the tranny lines off the piece plastic first

SOURCE: Replacement of catalytic converter 98 Wrangler

you don't have to remove any hangors, but some times its easier. After getting it all off, it goes back on the same way. I prefer welding the pipes shut, but its not neccessary, just make sure the U Clamps you are using are good ones and tightened good.

tepfy

SOURCE: replace 1995 jeep wrangler catalytic converter

If it has flanges on both ends, just unbolt it and replace. If it has welded pipes you will need to cut it off and use adapter sleeves and clamps. Really not rocket science...at worst, you may need to remove the hangars on the rear portion of the system to get enough room to install.

Vincent G

• 2363 Answers
• Posted on Nov 05, 2009

SOURCE: '88 Wrangler w/4.2 & Auto Trans. Cat Convert

I hope the last owner did not take out the smog pump.

Check under the hood,look for a smog pump.

The smog pump provide more "fresh air" into the cat. in return you get a cleaner exhaust.

In some state,the tech can fail smog check because of missing emission part(s)

The pipe is pretty long and it's well constructed.
try to cross Carquest AT167 Air Tube Kit at you local part store.