P0420 code on 4cyl

I have a 95 4cyl 4x4 that threw a P0420 code today.

code from the sticky section here says catalyst system below threshold......

do I just need a new catalytic converter?

what if I just ditch the converter?

Forgive the ignorance - I'm just now learning the mechanics of the computer era engines.....last truck I had was a 81 ford.......

Chris

 

So, I was doing the search that I should have before posting this question..........

And - - shockingly, I'm not the first one to pop a P0420 code!!!!

amazing!!!!

Sorry to step on my d**k so soon after joining - breaking the cardinal rule of "search before you post"


Now for my new question:

It looks like the fastest/easiest/most certain way to fix this code is to get a O2 sensor simulator and put a straight pipe where the cat was. Is this correct, or make sense to anyone?

I'm in Missouri - no emissions check yet, just a yearly safety inspection that isn't too tough.

 

so there could be some more problems with my exhaust..........

Here's the back o2 sensor:



Here's the front o2 sensor:



Here's the muffler:



Since the nuts on the o2 sensors have rusted away, I'm guessing there's probably some other leaks in my system in front of the o2 sensors.
So I'm going to get some replacement nuts before I pull that back one to look at it so that I can put it back together.

Is there a gasket in there also? If so, I had better get one of those too.

I think we are getting closer to a new exhaust with every step...