1999 T4R 5-speed Cali cats

[northernT4R]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to replace the cats on my 1999 4Runner. It's a Highlander edition, 4WD, 5-Speed, with 2 catalytic converters (Cali emissions). The O2 sensor downstream of the rear cat is the bolt-on type, rather than the threaded style used on newer 3rd gens. The emissions compliance label under the hood indicates that the Engine Family is XTYXT03.4GXS and that the vehicle "conforms to California regulations applicable to 1999 model year new LEV light-duty trucks and to U.S. EPA NLEV regulations...". At the bottom of the compliance sticker it indicates that the vehicle is OBDII Certified and "CAL & OTC".

The problem that I'm having is determining which model of CARB-compliant cats to order. It seems as though there are two different cats available for either the front cat and the rear cat: TLEV or LEV/LEV1. The photos online are not detailed enough to show a noticeable physical difference between the different models, so I'm unable to determine which ones to order.

Here's an example:

Eastern Catalytic (CARB compliant cats):
Part #650511 (front, LEV/LEV1)
Part #910053 (front, TLEV)
Part #651569 (rear, LEV/LEV1)
Part #910153 (rear, TLEV)

Has anyone replaced their cats on the same truck as mine, or otherwise knows which models are the correct replacements? Any help would be great - thanks!

 

[Toyotayoda]

The front catalytic converter is usually the one to give up the ghost, chances are you could just get it replaced and all is well. If I were the mechanic fixing your car though I would try to sell you both, mostly for ease of warranty replacement if it were to fail again.

 

[Scramble]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to replace the cats on my 1999 4Runner. It's a Highlander edition, 4WD, 5-Speed, with 2 catalytic converters (Cali emissions). The O2 sensor downstream of the rear cat is the bolt-on type, rather than the threaded style used on newer 3rd gens. The emissions compliance label under the hood indicates that the Engine Family is XTYXT03.4GXS and that the vehicle "conforms to California regulations applicable to 1999 model year new LEV light-duty trucks and to U.S. EPA NLEV regulations...". At the bottom of the compliance sticker it indicates that the vehicle is OBDII Certified and "CAL & OTC".

The problem that I'm having is determining which model of CARB-compliant cats to order. It seems as though there are two different cats available for either the front cat and the rear cat: TLEV or LEV/LEV1. The photos online are not detailed enough to show a noticeable physical difference between the different models, so I'm unable to determine which ones to order.

Here's an example:

Eastern Catalytic (CARB compliant cats):
Part #650511 (front, LEV/LEV1)
Part #910053 (front, TLEV)
Part #651569 (rear, LEV/LEV1)
Part #910153 (rear, TLEV)

Has anyone replaced their cats on the same truck as mine, or otherwise knows which models are the correct replacements? Any help would be great - thanks!

Cant you just go to a Toyota parts web site like Camelback & plug in your vin?

 

[northernT4R]

Hi - thanks for the suggestion, but I've already attempted to do that. However, they only provide OEM parts, which are very expensive for a catalytic converter. I was hoping to find an aftermarket cat instead, in order to save a few hundred dollars. Two common aftermarket brands for CARB compliant cats are Eastern Catalytic and Walker. Unfortunately, they have cats certified to different specs for those trucks, and I'm not yet able to determine which spec is the appropriate one for my truck. Frustrating!

 

[Toyotayoda]

Hi - thanks for the suggestion, but I've already attempted to do that. However, they only provide OEM parts, which are very expensive for a catalytic converter. I was hoping to find an aftermarket cat instead, in order to save a few hundred dollars. Two common aftermarket brands for CARB compliant cats are Eastern Catalytic and Walker. Unfortunately, they have cats certified to different specs for those trucks, and I'm not yet able to determine which spec is the appropriate one for my truck. Frustrating!

Either cat, because your not going with the original, is going to have fitment issues. Pick the one that looks best and roll with it, get it through smog test, and fill out the warranty sheet so when it fails you can get the next one for free.