Catalytic converter crisis

[kuduboss]

I've driven around for 6 months with an engine service idiot light on my dash that I'm told is catalytic converter failure. Ford wants $1500 to replace it. Firestone wants a grand. I'm told that it can be replaced for a whole lot less. Anybody on here capable of replacing a catalytic converter on a 2005 Ford Explorer? Replacing brakes and A/C on my wife's (Chrysler product) car has eaten my lunch but I have till September before the emissions inspection is due.

 

[8675309]

how many miles are on your vehicle?

 

[Hayata]

Can you get one from a salvage yard?

 

[8675309]

Can you get one from a salvage yard?

salvage yards aren't allowed to sell them. EPA.

 

[CliffB]

Can you get one from a salvage yard?

You cannot buy used catalytic converters.

 

[CliffB]

I've put two sets on my F150. First set covered under warranty. Second set $900 cash.

 

[00formula6spd]

A performance one from Summit or other shop has to be cheaper. jmho
I bought two high flow Random Tech stainless for $700, granted it was a few years back but don't see that much of a increase. From Russia maybe?
Sample
http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/par...y/Exhaust/Catalytic_Converters/High_Flow/3392

 

[cpw006]

Shouldn't take more than a few hours to do yourself.

http://m.autopartswarehouse.com/details/Evan_Fischer/Catalytic_Converter/REPF960321.html

http://www.google.com/search?site=&...c.1.49.mobile-gws-hp..0.18.2473.3.P5uyWJEpClo

 

[Bub51]

Search CL. Hell, you can buy a whole parts car with a converter cheaper than that.

 

[kuduboss]

I was told by my friend (diesel mechanic) that a "universal" catalytic converter could be purchased from NAPA or Autozone and would fit with a good muffler weld. When I approached a muffler shop, they said there was several catalytic converters on an Explorer and they wouldn't be able to tell which one was bad.

140,000 miles and runs great. No chance of trading while the wheels are still on it.