This one should be direct replacement.

 

Otherwise, yes I will put after 1/20/2000 parts. Should still work.

 

No I think you got it.
I wonder if that is something newer.
Been awhile since I poked around about an exhaust for an '00.
Even has the hanger for where it goes in on the tranny crossmember.

 

I think I might have figured out why I have never seen that before.
I went to the Magnaflow site and it was not showing up under '00.
Occurred to me to try '99 and sure enough.
Live and learn.
So you should end up with a 2.5 diameter exhaust that bolts on.
So I am guessing that cat plus this:

https://www.magnaflow.com/products/2...ter?aces=41840

And as long as the Banks cat back falls into the right position you are good to go.
Thinking even if it does not something can be worked out.
Wonder if there is any reason all that can't be installed on a made after 1/20/00 XJ.
Been curious to see the final result.

 

I'm sure glad mine is a 98 XJ so I don't have to empty every pocket for Cali

 

I'll update when and if it works. Thanks guys.

 

Ok guys, update on the exhaust. Everything worked with only slight modifications. First modification was the o2 sensor mount below bank 2 cat was facing front pipe and could not get sensor in. I plugged sensor mount and added new one. Second was the on the cats where exhaust bracket is was about 10 inches to short. So had an extension made. Other than that works great.

 

First thank you for following up on this. Second I applaud your patience.
So let me get this straight.
You had to modify a $600 part that is supposed to work cause it didn't?
So the cat you received did not have the O2 bungs where they were in the picture of the part in Post# 16?
I can see how the hanger falls way short of the tranny crossmember.
Guessing the extension you are talking about runs to the resonator/rear cat in shot #3.
What part number is that?
And last why do I see a bung hole that is plugged for an O2 sensor all the way to the right of shot #3?
Is that on the Banks part of the exhaust?
Gotta tell you not really understanding why these extra work was necessary.

 

Nicely done and good recovery from "incorrect" parts. I say incorrect because the exhaust is an obvious screw up due to the placement of the O2 bung. Perhaps it was a QC "escape" or mislabeled part.

 

No part number on the extension. Had a muffler shop make it and add the O2 sensor mount where I wanted it. Cost me $40.
Yes that plug is on the Banks muffler.
Contacted Magnaflow and talked to guy from product support. Sent him pictures of what was not correct for a "direct replacement part" so hopefully they can address issues.
Right now only option is what I did or purchase post production split which will most likely require modification as well.
I am happy with the outcome overall. Got a full 2.5inch exhaust and no more annoying straight pipe. Lol.