Exhaust Recommendations & Replacement Hardware - 2.5

[Zenobian_84]

On the way home from work this morning, the MJ decided that it was too cold, and started giving off a "rumble" shimmy with bad idling. Only does it when it's sat in the chilly cold, and I'm pretty certain it has to do with a leak somewhere on the manifold. This is not the first time it's done this since the weather's turned cold, but this is the first time that it's lost a considerable amount of pedal power going 35 down the highway. Mashed the pedal to the floor, and couldn't get it to go any higher than 40, so I'm also fairly certain that what's left inside the cat decided to crap out as well.

 

Looking to replace pretty much everything from the manifold all the way to the tailpipe. What are some good choices out there that are relatively reliable (manifold, cat)? Also, seeing as how the last time I did something like this (previous car), I didn't have to replace any mounting hardware, what am I looking at replacing on this thing as far as all that goes? AFAIK, everything on this truck is OE, except for a crappy muffler / tailpipe one of the PO's rigged up with clamps.

 

I've heard that the cat-connection piece to the crossmember(?) is no longer being made, so is there any way I could rig something up in its place? The bolts on that piece are pretty much fused together, so I very much so doubt It's going to come apart with an impact...

[Guest]

So, what I originally thought was both the manifold and converter causing my issues, it was in actuality just the leak coming from the manifold, so it appears that I might just replace the hardware on it and see what happens. I will however check in the next few days to see what the cost of a new manifold and downpipe (at least to the converter) will cost, and if I can get a discount due to the school I'm going to having an account with the local Advance parts store.

 

With that being said, do any of you 2.5 guys out there know where to get new studs and bolts? I don't want to take a chance on the 27 year old OE, because I doubt they will like being adjusted with after many, many years of expanding and shrinking. It seems that there are no replacement kits for these things, but on the 4.0, there are dozens of choices for replacement washers, studs, etc.

 

EDIT:

 

Did a little more thorough searching, found the part numbers I was looking for through NAPA. Couldn't find them under an XJ/MJ, but was able to source them through the YJ/TJ variety. Going to pick up a set Monday and see if I can't get these things replaced this week before I get off from school for holiday break. Also changed the OP title to reflect these changes.

 

NOE 6003243- NAPA # ($13.69)

 

Here's what I assume are the Chrysler PN's; not sure if these prices are still up-to-date or not.

 

6036193-AA STUD NONE 9004007 ($1.60 ea.)

6036171-AA NUT&WA NO 18050022 ($3.95 ea.)

[54bobby]

from rock auto. exhaust manifold hardware kit for 2.5. dorman part# 674002 8 bucks

[Jeep Driver]

The bolts are 3/8 by 1 1/4" long. Grade 5 is fine and  you can get them anywhere. I used bolts not studs, matters not.

 

The two plates that make up the joint at the cat- http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/omix-ada-pipe-front-exhaust-2.5l-xj-84-8-17613.03/10177625-p?cm_mmc=ACQ-_-Google-_-GPLA-_-10177625&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=10177625&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=&iv_=__iv_p_1_g_12425515822_x_pla_y_6201684_f_online_o_10177625_z_US_i_en_j_71042598142_s__n_g_t__d_c_v__vi__&gclid=Cj0KEQiA5K-kBRDZ9r71gOvlxOMBEiQAwkK52KV8zv-8PKO0pEkfVxPK0b4PwaPP7BKj_RZbBbJaXiEaAk7z8P8HAQ#utm_source=acq&utm_medium=google&utm_campaign=gpla&utm_content=10177625

 

and the factory cat will have it's plate. http://www.nextdayauto.com/1986-jeep-cherokee-epa-compliant-catalytic-converter-l4-25-bosal-w0133-1924443.html

 

Or........

 

With 2 onces of imagination........get two 1/4" pieces of plate, use the gasket to mark for the five holes and make up your own plates to take to the exhaust shop.

 

Your choice of direction.