Replacing the 3rd Gen Catalytic Converter

[ThatBluBeamer]

Hey everyone. Recently bought an 02 ram 1500 5.9 4x4 133k that needs a ton of work, but I love it. long story short I'm pretty sure I've narrowed down a lack of power problem to a bad cat. No problem, ive done them before using the universal cats and butt clamps (because I don't think I could weld an entire secure exhaust. Yes I know thats not "proper", it is what it is). Shops in my town WILL NOT do anything under the counter either. Problem is, the way the exhaust is set up in these trucks with the dual y pipe going into the cat, there is hardly any clearance to put a universal cat on. Shop wants 1000 to replace 1 cat because we recently switched to cali emissions, however, My county doesn't test emissions. I could care less if it passes smog. However I don't want to sacrifice power/create other problems and don't want a check engine light, which I've heard a cat delete can do both to these trucks. So I'm basically stuck with I HAVE to replace the cat, WILL NOT pay a shop to do it, and want to see what you DIYers would do in this situation, short of buying the entire system from the y pipe down... First pic is for reference, others are of my actual exhaust. In the "stock" picture there is an 02 sensor sticking up barely upstream of that cat. I feel like there is just not enough clearance, Id either have to pay a welder or buy the whole system. I know you 2nd Geners have a better way to do this... lol. Much appreciated

Really I just need to know if you guys think there is ANY WAY a universal exhaust and exhaust clamp would fit if I cut it right after the cat? its maybe 2 inches of clearance... I'm just not sure thats enough especially with the double y pipe set up... I feel like it may not be truly circular and more of an oval. At this point I'm about to just cut the cat off and worry about fabricating it later lol....
Thanks for any input though from those that may have been thru this already.

edit: if i were to just cat the cat out and straight pipeit, is there a way to still have functional 02 sensors? thanks.

 

[HemiLonestar]

2002 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP 5.9L V8 Catalytic Converter | RockAuto

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