When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!ZJ (93-98), WJ (99-04), WK (05+)
All ZJ/WJ/WK specific tech questions asked here!
I have a 00 Laredo 4.0L 190k (yes its seen its days, but it runs great and hasn't given me any problems) 😭😭😭😭 I feel so violated
and my cat converter was stolen today.. I also live in California... Where to even begin... How many are on my Jeep? What's a decent priced new one that is compliant with California law? And is there any kind of device or extra locking to prevent theives from taking it again?
That is awful. I've been hearing about this sort of thing alot recently.
Since they cut the pipe to get the converter out, a replacement will have to be welded in its place. So it's not simple buy one and install it unfortunately.
You will have to talk to some local shops and get some prices. The converters are simple and basic but the pipe sizes and lengths are different so you will have to purchase the correct replacement.
That is awful. I've been hearing about this sort of thing alot recently.
Since they cut the pipe to get the converter out, a replacement will have to be welded in its place. So it's not simple buy one and install it unfortunately.
You will have to talk to some local shops and get some prices. The converters are simple and basic but the pipe sizes and lengths are different so you will have to purchase the correct replacement.
Thank you for the info.. I'm going to call around this morning and check my options.
On the WJ that converter is not monitored, but does supply backpressure to allow the front 2 converters to function more efficiently. It's seems to me as long as there is a converter in that location, regardless of size, it should keep the system happy and not set any codes. As long as the system needs to be welded anyhow, a much smaller cheap converter and added length of pipe would fix it. Nobody is going to waste time cutting out a small aftermarket converter because the amount of exotic metals in it wouldn't be worth their time. They are looking for the big factory installed ones. I installed a small converter designed for a Chevy S10 pickup with the 4.0 V6 and it worked fine and only cost about 50 bucks. The trick is to get someone to install a non-CARB compliant converter into the system, even though it will work perfectly.
Also, check with your insurance company. If you have comprehensive or theft coverage, they may cover the loss, after deductible.
Last edited by dave1123; Apr 14, 2021 at 09:17 PM.
On the WJ that converter is not monitored, but does supply backpressure to allow the front 2 converters to function more efficiently. It's seems to me as long as there is a converter in that location, regardless of size, it should keep the system happy and not set any codes. As long as the system needs to be welded anyhow, a much smaller cheap converter and added length of pipe would fix it. Nobody is going to waste time cutting out a small aftermarket converter because the amount of exotic metals in it wouldn't be worth their time. They are looking for the big factory installed ones. I installed a small converter designed for a Chevy S10 pickup with the 4.0 V6 and it worked fine and only cost about 50 bucks. The trick is to get someone to install a non-CARB compliant converter into the system, even though it will work perfectly.
Also, check with your insurance company. If you have comprehensive or theft coverage, they may cover the loss, after deductible.
I was thinking you could have someone install a substantial skid plate, like for offroading, to cover the converter so they would need a plasma cutter to get to it! That might **** them off enough to do some other damage though. Just a thought.
There are 2 small converters on the split exhaust manifold just underneath the intake system and are really hard to get to for theft purposes. There are 2 02 sensors on each converter, one before it and one after it, for a total of 4. They run extremely hot and if you stop and open the driver's door with the engine running, you can feel a blast of heat like you opened an oven door. Those 2 converters on my 2000 4.0 have 270K miles on them and still function the way they were designed to. That kind of quality ended in 2004 when jeep was sold to Mercedes and got even worse under Fiat. FCA is now building crap and then not standing behind them.
I was thinking you could have someone install a substantial skid plate, like for offroading, to cover the converter so they would need a plasma cutter to get to it! That might **** them off enough to do some other damage though. Just a thought.
There are 2 small converters on the split exhaust manifold just underneath the intake system and are really hard to get to for theft purposes. There are 2 02 sensors on each converter, one before it and one after it, for a total of 4. They run extremely hot and if you stop and open the driver's door with the engine running, you can feel a blast of heat like you opened an oven door. Those 2 converters on my 2000 4.0 have 270K miles on them and still function the way they were designed to. That kind of quality ended in 2004 when jeep was sold to Mercedes and got even worse under Fiat. FCA is now building crap and then not standing behind them.
Interesting. I never knew that. Thx for the info. Got a quote this morning. $450 plus tax. Guy said there wasn't any kind of device he's seen work to keep thieves from taking them, steel plates, bolts, etc... He said, pretty much if they want your converter, they'll get it.
Stolen Catalytic Converter...
