Stainless for 2.3? What about converter?

[NewRangerGuy]

I have had my 96 Extended cab for a year now and the steering pump pressure hose went on it. While under my truck the mechanic told me the exhaust is starting to leak at the cat and will not last the winter.

I plan to keep this truck for many years. It's in great shape and the oil comes out clear at every oil change. And it's good on gas with the small motor and standard tranny. I really like the way it looks also.

So... since I plan on keeping this baby for as long as possible what do you guys suggest for an after market exhaust system I can bolt in myself? I was hoping to get a stainless system so I never have to worry about the exhaust system again. Problem is I can not find any that have the catalytic converter included. Is there a reason for this? I seem to think those things rust out right at the weld to the flange and therefor you end up having to replace the entire converter because of it.

What are my options?

Thanks everyone.

John

 

[myrangertruck]

I installed a Magnaflow direct replacement in my '97 2.3 L Ranger when the original started to leak. It's still going strong. The only issue is that the heat shields fell off, due to the spot welds rusting out in the thin metal. If you get one of these, I'd recommend putting a couple big stainless steel hose clamps around it as preventitive measure. Here's the link for the one I got. You can check to see if they make one for your year:

http://www.car-sound.com/02product/displaydirectfit01.asp?catalogid=12365&directfit=23389

Don't remember how much I paid but I know it was nowhere near what above link shows for price.