catalytic converter ?

how important is the cat on a '85 2.5L. I don't have emission laws in my county and the thing is pretty much toast, same with the muffler. was thinking about cutting the whole thing out and running straight pipe from the header to either a thrush muffler or even just a cherry bomb. this is just a trail rig and only sees pavement on the way to the woods. is back pressure gonna be an issue?

well i have the 4.0 but, i noticed a huge difference between my SHOT stock cat and the magnaflow high flow cat and flowmaster

Its a no-brainer. If your cat and muffler are shot, replace them. Your Jeep will be happier. You would be wise to replace the Oxygen sensor while you're down there too.