CEL code P0171 now a low idle...exhause leak? raise the cat?

Hey guys

need some help here

98 taco 2.4l auto 125k miles

Few weeks ago i popped a P0420 code with no noticeable side affects

now i popped a P0171

When i start the truck it goes to a high idle...1500 rpm

When truck gets to operating temp it drops down to a low...500 rpm

dont think its the MAF i cleaned it really good

My truck is low low low and i scrape the cat heat shield like everyday

Im thinking i may have an exhaust leak

How bad could it be?

If i need to have exhause work done i was thinking about raising the cat. Anyone ever done this or know how difficult it would be?

Appreciate any help (CT is pretty much dead)

 

when i cleaned the MAF (it wasne even dirty...stock airbox) everything looked good and tight. Vaccum leaks i would hear something weird right?

Im concerned about my high idle at startup and low idle at operating temp.

If its an exhause leak, could that mean that my exhaust manifold may be cracked at the joint or where it connects to the cat?

My trucks pretty low but im gonna take a look right now to see if i can see any carbon pointing to an exhause leak.

I do have an appointment at a shop tomorrow morning.

 

hate to pay $60 or whatever to have a shop look at it if i can figure it out.

Pice are worth a 1000 words...

first pic is intake of cat i think it ok...



next 2 pics are of exhaust of cat. Notice a two tiny carbon spots? Could this be the problem?

 

i think i just found the problem i hope

i reconected the hose, went to AutoZone to have the CEL cleared, and drove taco around and it seems to have fixed the problem. Higher idle now.

hose line to power steering must have worked itself loose.

 

thanks for the help man!!

now i aint gotta pay someone $60 just to take a look haha