Hello, I recently took my cherokee into a muffler shop to get an estimate on a leak. they fixed the leak and informed me the ends of the catalytic converter were rusting away, told me they could just replace the ends of the converter for about 80 bucks. but im wondering if i should just go ahead and replace the converter altogether..? they did say the converter was fine, any advice or insight? is this just a 'throwing good money after bad' situation. thanks!

 

replace it,u can get a cat from summit racing for around $40 and its better than the stock one,but my cat did the same,so i cut it out and put a 2.5" pipe in its place

 

I'd replace the thing.

 

Should be able to pick up a bolt in magnaflow high-flo cat for under 100$

 

The muffler shop can weld on new flanges, if the muffler is in good condition for the lowest cost. I had then do it to my wifes Suzuki Sidekick after they installed a new muffler and did not hook up the support bracket and a year later the converter flanges broke. I took it back and they quoted me $225 for a new converter, but after I complained to the parent company and showed the manager the old support bracket still attached and the new muffler was not attached, they fixed the converter by welding on new flanges.
I lucked out with my 96 cherokee, I received a recall notice on the converter 2 years ago. My XJ had 115,000 miles, but the recall covered the replacement. Even the service manager I knew could not figure why the recall was covering XJ's with over 100,000 miles, but they had to do it under warranty. The mechanic I have delt with for 25 years, told me to pick up a new muffler and tailpipe and he would replace the whole exaust since they will have to remove the converter anywhy. I ended up getting a new converter and O2 sensor replaced for free.