Should I Remove the catalytic converter?

Does anyone have any advice on removing the catalytic converter (permanently) from a 2001 Durango 5.9? I live in one of those states that doesn't do inspections. I've done similar surgery to our V-10 dodge ram when adding a Gibson cat back and had great success: better torque, better milage (keep in mind, still a V-10) and cooler operating temps when hauling and towing.

I've noted (from other posts here) the Durango has double Oxygen sensors ahead and behind the converter. --???

My thinking now is to make the 5.9 breathe a little more freely, and run cooler (switching to lower temp thermostat when doing the Plenum gasket)
Add a K&N, and ditch the converter/get cat back exhaust.

Some may note from my earlier posts, I'm not at all pleased with the quality of this vehicle. So Mopar purists please spare the reference to the intelligence of Chrysler engineers. This is the same brain trust that put a steel plate on the bottom of an aluminum intake, and never thought different expansion/contraction rates might work the Plenum gasket loose.

Thanks again all, any advice appreciated.

Should I commit a Federal Crime and tell about it, Oh BTW I have commited a crime before but I didn't get caught b/c they don't do inspections. LOL

A High-Performance low restriction CAT doesn't cost much ($150) or so. The Oxygen sensor on the back side of the CAT is to check to see if the CAT is working. If your engine is running really well, you won't get a CEL if the CAT is gone. You will get a CEL if the seconds O2 sensor keeps detecting O2 post CAT such as in case of misfire or fuel mixture problem. If you take it to a shop b/c of the CEL you may have a problem w/no CAT in place.

"Hey I bought it used in WV." Sound like a good excuse? --:)

Thanks for the info.

you know -- smashing mailboxes is Federal Crime too, but I sure as hell haven't seen any FBI agents trying find the little a-holes that did it!

The Mailbox thing isn't a good example, an 18yr old High School Senior from this area is doing 2 years for blowing up his neighbors box with fireworks.

Ha - you've gotta be kiddin' Any priors or just that?

Just that, it falls under "domestic terrorism" if you use explosives.

yyyouch - our inventive local hooligans throw large rocks from their moving car. They've got about 60 boxes so far in my area.

The cat is still in place! -- but since last post I made the Plenum pan gasket repair. (Engine clean - no sludge. due to Mobile 1 Synthetic oil?) And dropped the thermostat to 160. Heres what i have noted. Better power and throttle response. Drastically reduced oil consumption. Better milage! No more pinging.

Would somebody please tell me what this plenum plate is all about? I have a '98 with 5.2L, 117,000miles and no major problems yet. Yet? What should I look forward to?

the plenum pan & gasket you're hearing about is on the bottom of the intake manifold. When the gasket blows it creates an internal oil leak. Do a quick search at this forum for "oil use" or "oli consumption" and you'll find plenty of info. If your Durango is using a lot of oil and you can't figure out why, it's definitely the prime suspect. If you don't repair it, sludge build-up will lead to engine failure, but then again at 117K, you're probably about ready to trade in your Durango?? - My input for what its worth.