Catalytic converter replacement

Hi all, New to the forums and first off wanted to say thank you to all the great write ups, they have been a huge help!

I bought my 2010 4x4 SR5 Tacoma AC last September and have been loving it, but have noticed a few things that I am looking to fix and was hoping to get some insight. I purchased it from a guy who took great care of it, but racked up the miles on a pretty long commute daily. Right now I am at 76,xxx miles. Also, living in NH takes a toll on all vehicles with snow and salt etc...

Here is a quick list of the things (issues) that seems to be common among Tacos that I have found on mine:
1. clutch pedal assembly/slave cylinder squeak (I blast with PB blaster and lubricant about once a month to resolve)
2. some light but significant rust on frame, specifically around the body mounts ( am planning to wire brush and rustoleum soon)
3. clicking brake pads when stopping (no known resolution yet)
4. rattling from front catalytic converter around 2k rpm, seems to be after vehicle warmup

The last issue is what I am looking for help on. I plan to grind the bolts for the heat shield off this weekend to finally determine if it's from the shield or cat itself. If it is the shield (hopefully is) I plan on replacing the bolts and wrapping a hose clamp around everything after some light remolding of the shield.

If it is not the shield... It looks like I will need to replace the cat. I have a professional weld that I work with who is willing to help, but I would like to get some input on replacements. Can I cut out the rattling one and replace with a universal? Will the cause damage to anything/throw a CEL?

Alternatively, do I have any other options? I have read that performance headers are the best upgrade so would be a good time to upgrade, but do people usually hook this up to the stock cats?

Thanks!

 

If you use the Doug Thorley Long Tube (DTLT) these will replace the manifold and first cats. These will bolt up to you stock y pipe. This will throw a cell, due to the missing cats. You will need an O2 simulator. You can get both of these from URD, who is an excellent vendor.

 

Isn't there a TSB on catalytic converter rattle? I will dig around and see if I can find it...

 

Cat (emissions components) has an 80,000 mile warranty under Federal law if your state requires inspection/repair:
http://epa.gov/obd/pubs/420f09048.pdf
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/...QR2dGlkA1ZJUDA3N18x?qid=20071129140323AAIeEy4

 

Rich, I will look into that today while at work.... I am not the original owner, does that matter? Or is it 80k regardless?

Anderson, that would be good to know if going to the dealer with this.

and Coupe, I'll look into it as well. I know its a 4 cyl but some extra growl would be nice

thanks guys

 

Tim, if you need new cats and the warranty is out I would look for the magnaflows. They make a header/cat version that is a direct replacement. http://www.summitracing.com/search/...catalytic-converters/make/toyota/model/tacoma