Got the 850 on all 4 jack stands for some needed brake work, so I've been able to get a good look underneath. I've realized the downpipe/cat joint to the muffler pipe has been rigged up. The joint is gone and a piece of pipe was used to weld the whole thing together (arrgghh). Also, where is the best spot for the jack stands at the rear?

It's OK for the time being, but is probably where my minor exhaust leak is from. What are my options here as I'm sure the price of a new downpipe isn't favorable. Can't recall if used cats are available in junkyards. Any thoughts on this one? As always thanks for the tips.

Mike

I got a new cat from FCP Groton for $250. The cat to exhaust joint you reference is a ball-type joint with clamp It was a pain in the neck to tighten up leak-free. You have to leave the nuts at the header loose enough that you can pull together the rear ball-joint and hold it in place while you tighten the clamp, then go back and tighten up the header nuts. Took me several tries and I almost gave up and went with the solution that was used on your car. If your cat is working fine, I wouldn't bother replacing it.

That's my plan, ride it until it's a bigger issue. At the moment it's OK, so I'll deal with it when I'm forced to, thanks for the installation tip.

It is supposed to be illegal to sell used cats. Tasca volvo has new ones for $800+. The light pressure turbo versions are half that price for some strange reason.

If your muffler is still good, take the wagon to a shop and have it welded some more. To check for a leak: cold engine, start the engine and stuff a rag into the exhaust pipe and listen for the exhaust around the weld - or feel for escaping exhaust with your fingers, being very careful because of the 500F heat.

Best jack stand point for the rear? Under the round disk that holds the shocks on. My 1998 AWD had a rear subframe.

Klaus
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Did you do your Random Act of Kindness today?

The junk price for an original cat converter is way up there. Maybe $250 or more.
So if you do replace the cat, call around and see just who is paying the top dollar. The OEMs are worth more to the junkies than the replacements ,maybe
the after market jobs are using artificial platinum reclaimed somehow from catfish whiskers? :-)

Jack stands:
I supported my car on the rear axle and somewhere on the meaty part of the control arms and/or control arm brackets.

Thanks guys, I was afraid of that with the cat. There is a local guy parting out a 93 that I scored some parts from, but I realized it is a different downpipe. Thouugh I guess I could get the manifold also. I'm guess the 4 bolt manifold to down pipe is a bit better than the swivel fit?