I want to go with longtube headers on my truck, and I was thinking that it would work with minimal fussing if I eliminated the first set of caltalytic converters. I don't want to eliminate the cats entirely, but will the two rear cats be enough?

 

As long as there are no O2 sesoirs behind them you can remove them.

 

There are sensors behind them, so will one catalytic convertor for each side be enough? Supposedly the first set of cats is just there for cold start/open loop running because they are closest to the manifold outlets, and they will heat up faster.

 

I think all of these trucks are similar to what I've got...
It goes like this:
02 sensor -> pre-cat -> main cat -> O2 sensor

I don't have pre-cats, just main cats, and no codes.

Only the rear 02 sensors will throw a cat-related code, so you'll be OK as long as you still keep your main cats.

BTW I passed CA smog with just main cats and I've got a ton of mods. If your state has a sniffer test just make sure everything is good and hot...don't let it sit and idle, and don't turn your truck off, prior to the test.

 

Thanks! That's just what I wanted/needed to hear!