removing my catalytic converter and muffler?

The best way to test if your catalytic converter is faulty is to start the engine and let it idle then walk around to the back of the vehicle and place your hand 2" from the outlet of the exhaust. Have the back of your hand facing the open pipe and you should feel a strong pulsing. A good way to get a feel for this is to try on a friends car-one that you know works well. Or better yet on another truck identical to yours.

If the converter has failed and is restricting the exhaust you will only feel a very weak breeze from the pipe.

Please do this when the vehicle exhaust system is cool-first thing in the morning is a good time after everything has be allowed to cool overnight. Otherwise you may get burnt.

Also have a quick check of the ignition timing and ignition points if your vehicle has them and the air filter.

depends on your vehicle, and state, and if you live in the country or the city, the catalytic converter may have an oxygen sensor in it or after it, if it does you should not remove it as it will turn on the check engine light causing the truck to burn more fuel. Yes it will be very loud so i would possible try leaving the muffler on and gutting out the converter but leave it on the truck, worked on my 97 dodge 5.2l

No it won't injury your engine or muffler. vehicles ran for 80 years till now cat's. inspite of the shown fact that countless vehicles now have sensors till now and after the cat's and this tells the laptop how nicely the engine is working. So it would think of something is incorrect and attempt to alter your engine idle or so on. inspite of the shown fact that in case you haven't got those sensors (Its not annoying to get decrease than and look) then you certainly dont ought to rigidity.

Give it a try..I've done it a few times..It tells you if the back pressure is too high in a hurry..Don't drive it too far it will be running very lean.

that first answer is wrong, it depends on where you live you need to check the laws in your state before removing your cat.

illegal = big noise + big fine