'93, 4.0 OHV, best bang for the buck?

[rfl]

Truck is undergoing a major overhaul that includes a new engine and exhaust. I picked up a set of Headman headers, but I am looking for some input on the remainder of the exhaust.

Does going to dual pipes make any difference other than looks? If so, single or dual mufflers, if single, single in to dual out?

Is it cheaper to buy pre-bent stuff or have a muffler shop build it from scratch?

Any advantage from, and is it legal to, go to a single CAT (non-CA truck)? If it is allowed, any thoughts on what to go with?

 

[adsm08]

You don't need a 2-bed cat like you have now, as long as you get a three-way converter.

True duals offer some benefits, if you have two oxygen sensors, and no 4x4, and you run small enough pipes.

 

[rfl]

You don't need a 2-bed cat like you have now, as long as you get a three-way converter.

True duals offer some benefits, if you have two oxygen sensors, and no 4x4, and you run small enough pipes.

4x4, no body lift - should have mentioned that. I will definitely be running the Y pipe.

Doing a quick search, I am finding that three-way cat's (TWC) became standard in 1981. With that being the case, it seems I could use pretty much anything.

I am not finding a front flange, and the stock unit is rusted pretty bad so I don't want to cut that one off and weld it on. Any thoughts on where I could get the flange so I can use a universal without cutting the Y pipe, or if any single units share the same flange as the Ranger?

 

[rfl]

Decided on the Magnaflo dual cat with OEM flanges, and the Gibson side-swept 2.5" cat-back system. After some discussion, my son agreed that a little less cool look is better than a smashed tailpipe(s) when he decides to drag the bumper in the desert.