Catalytic converter

[xboxrox]

catalytic converter replacement plan (not a California CARB version) 1986 Power Ram50

Drivability & History:

Truck has a worsening trend toward poor gas mileage, intermittent miss, acceleration lag,tendency to run hot up steep grades, lack of power, rough idle AND has had adjustments for ignition timing, RPM setting and new parts for Mikuni carburetor, distributor ignition module, spark plugs, plug wires, coil, PCV valve, both engine coolant sensors, O2 sensor, oil pressure sensor, new muffler, new cylinder head, air, oil, crankcase filters new, etc... Hawaii roads are mostly 25MPH stop & go driving which leads to a plugged catalytic converter... There are freeways on Oahu where the truck can be driven long enough & fast enough to heat up the catalytic converter to burn off the crud that collects inside a converter...

Reference:

https://mechanicbase.com/engine/bad-...rter-symptoms/

Photo of exhaust manifold catalytic converter canister taken when replacing O2 sensor:



PARTS:
Exhaust Manifold to Catalytic converter inlet Gasket MB687020
Catalytic converter outlet to exhaust piping Gasket ???
Catalytic converter as shown in photos below (OEM Catalytic converters are obsolete & not available)




WORK STEPS:

1) Accumulate parts
2) Remove piped catalytic converter
3) Clean out old catalytic converter canister & remnant from inside the exhaust manifold (truck will use only one catalytic converter)
4) If needed target old catalytic converter on workbench & reuse it's piping ends onto new converter if new converter is not an exact fit...
5) Test drive with X'd fingers...


comments, suggestions, bashes..? cheaper ways of DIY..?