1996 Jeep GC Catalytic Converter

[cox3497]

Howdy Folks,

I'm new here, and let me first just say that the information here is awesome! I've got a couple questions that I was hoping ya'll might be able to help me figure out.

I just bought a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 6 cyl. with 86,500 miles for $6,200. First off, what in general do you think of this car? I think the price I paid was, while not spectacular, quite fair -- correct? Could you give me any insight as to what I should be looking out for going wrong in the future? I GREATLY appreciate any comments or suggestions you might have regarding this.

Edited to add: This is a 4wd model in clean condition with seeming no mechanical issues except what is mentioned below. I also got a set of snow tires and wheels (which adds to the value and thus price).

Secondly, I have a rattle in my exhaust when idling that (by reading this forum) I have determined to be the catalytic converter. My question is thus. I am planning to replace this part (if for no other reason than to eliminate that terrible noise). I would like to be as frugal as possible, and so install this part myself. Is this a good idea, and if so, can you give me some steps to follow? I'm not very experienced when it comes to auto repair, but I know several people with decent knowledge that are willing to help me. What do you think of me trying to self-install this part?

Sorry about the long-windedness, but I really could use your help. Thanks a lot for any information you have to offer.

Benjamin

[dksob81]

Originally Posted by cox3497

Howdy Folks,

I'm new here, and let me first just say that the information here is awesome! I've got a couple questions that I was hoping ya'll might be able to help me figure out.

I just bought a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 6 cyl. with 86,500 miles for $6,200. First off, what in general do you think of this car? I think the price I paid was, while not spectacular, quite fair -- correct? Could you give me any insight as to what I should be looking out for going wrong in the future? I GREATLY appreciate any comments or suggestions you might have regarding this.

Edited to add: This is a 4wd model in clean condition with seeming no mechanical issues except what is mentioned below. I also got a set of snow tires and wheels (which adds to the value and thus price).

Secondly, I have a rattle in my exhaust when idling that (by reading this forum) I have determined to be the catalytic converter. My question is thus. I am planning to replace this part (if for no other reason than to eliminate that terrible noise). I would like to be as frugal as possible, and so install this part myself. Is this a good idea, and if so, can you give me some steps to follow? I'm not very experienced when it comes to auto repair, but I know several people with decent knowledge that are willing to help me. What do you think of me trying to self-install this part?

Sorry about the long-windedness, but I really could use your help. Thanks a lot for any information you have to offer.

Benjamin

You should have no real trouble with installing a new cat, the most trouble you will have is getting the old one off, I used a 4" angle grinder and cut-off wheel and just made a slice down the center of the tube and use a screw driver and pound it into this cut to expand the pipe and then just pound it off with a mini sledge.

They make a tool for this very job so you don't have to do any cutting, I have never used it before infact I just seen it a couple days ago at summit, go here http://store.summitracing.com/ and search for part # SUM-900652

[BenBB]

I dont think that it was too bad of a buy. I have a '96 and i bought it with 135,000 for $3,700. The only problems i have encountered is the rear hatch;the latch is broken, and i have had to replace the water pump and i had to buy a new blend door actuator for the HVAC system. Other than that there is no mechanical difficulties i have seen on it.

[cox3497]

dksob81 and BenBB,

Thanks for your responses guys! I appreciate the advice you offered. The guys that I thought were going to help me didn't end up being available, and (being that my personal automotive skills are somewhat limited), I went ahead and had my local muffler shop replace the catalytic converter for me. They did it for $218 and seem to do pretty good work. The only thing that does concern me is that they put what seems to be an Air Tec cat in -- I have not been able to locate this specific brand on the internet. I hope this is a good one. Thanks again for your help.

Benjamin