1987 NA Catalytic Converter stud/bolt Question
 

Is there threading on the flanges around the cat (on the cat flanges themselves or the y-pipe or precat flanges)? I've searched and looked through the fsm but can't seem to find this info.

I'm planning on taking out the cat to weld a leak shut, and I'm assuming that I'll destroy the current nuts and studs in the process. I have several M12x1.75 coarse bolts and matching nuts, which I believe will work if there is no threading on the flange, but of course that won't work is there is factory M12x1.25 fine threading.

Additionally, is it necessary to replace the gaskets or will they be reusable?

The studs are threaded into the cat. It's been many years, but the dealer screwed up one of the studs
on the rear of the cat so I replaced it with a bolt, but couldn't tell you the size.
Just use a lot of heat on the nuts when removing, stop when noise is heard, heat again and then remove
further.
Good luck with old rusted parts.

Thanks!

So does anyone have a quick step by step guide to getting the cat out? Surprisingly, the 4 main nuts came without struggle after being soaked in WD40, but now I'm a bit stuck. Do I need to remove the entire catback assembly as well?