Removing y-pipe from catalytic converter

[Organism_ike]

I've run into yet another problem. Im trying to remove all my exahust components without cutting anything to retain the ability to reinstall it again. The problem is, i have no idea how to get the y-pipe out of the catalytic converter. Im not even sure if it can be removed or if theyre welded from the factory. The bolts on the "u joint" between the cat and pipe are loose. So should the y pipe now just slide out, or is there something else holding it in? I've even tried banging on that area with a hammer to try and loosen it up (i assume the two are rusted together) but the y-pipe is solid inside the cat. Strangely, there is a little tab on the bottom of where the 2 meet, could this be something holding them together?
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[izzy_Britton]

typically they just slide together. but they do sometimes get stuck because of heat and cool contractions and they are stuck very well.

alternatively, the little tab that you mentioned if it is on the OUTER pipe where the two meat and someone welded it on there for some reason , who knows why, then there is a possibility that they inadvertently welded the two pipes together at that point. if you are unable to get the Y pipe and the cat to separate then consider cutting that tab off and grinding the outer pipe all the way thru to the inner to make sure there is not a weld there.

also try using a piece of 2x4 or 4x4 with a BFH against the cat, the dead-blow effect my loosen them better than a tap on the pipe with a hammer.

without pictures it is hard to guess whats going on.

-Izzy

[Organism_ike]

Taken from the rear with the car on the outside, y pipe on the inside. The clip appears to be welded to the y-pipe but its hard to see exactly.
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[kevinr1970]

Originally Posted by Organism_ike

The bolts on the "u joint" between the cat and pipe are loose.

I assume you mean u-bolt and not u-joint?
The u-bolt clamps the two pipes together and deforms the pipes in doing so. This is how it seals.
I don't think you are ever going to get them apart, especially after 20-30 years.
Cut the pipe as square as possible. Easy repair for a exhaust guy to put them back together in the future if you go back that way. Try to cut in a place that has easy access for putting it back together.

[donut]

1st, Why are you trying to retain it? Possibility of emissions coming to your area?

Being from the rust belt, if it's installed, that's it. Clamped together connections will weld themselves together with rust.

If it were me, sawsall and adapter fittings. Cut where possible, keeping pieces as big as possible. Adapter fittings can be found at any auto parts store. (When you see the "blingy" exhaust tips, look down.) Using fittings you will lose a little of the pipe ID (thus flow) but if the stock cat goes back on....