Just bought a nice clean used 2009 Ford F150 Fx4, 94k miles. I had it checked out by 2 shops with a pretty clean bill of health I did some minor repairs. I'm on a tight budget so I was glad it checked out well.

Engine light came on (don't they always!!), and my very reliable, trustworthy and excellent mechanic says it will need a whole new catalytic converter at some point. Isn't that "unnecessary" smog equipment? The mechanic says - gulp - $2900.00. Unbelievable, as it will also need the $1500 (per Ford) 100k service soon. 'Spose my mechanic just made a mistake on the cost? I hope I hope. I see converters are not expensive, so what's the deal? Just got it and already I can't afford it

 

Sounds like your trusted mechanic can no longer be trusted. If you can get genuine Ford converters they range between $450 and $600 each, You have 2 of them. Aftermarket would be your best and cheapest bet.
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Your favorite mechanic needs to do some troubleshooting or you need to fork over some codes for us. Cat converters don’t just spontaneously go bad.

Let me give you an example. My dad, before he passed away, had a ‘97 Chevy that was running lousy. The shop told him he needed cats, O2s and $2500 worth of stuff all told. I told him to grab a new spider intake for his 350 and let’s get to work. Problem solved for $500.

 

No emissions equipment is unnecessary - Ford doesn't just throw extra parts on vehicles, and it's illegal to remove or disable any emissions systems or parts. It's also bad for the truck. Keeping it running as-designed will get you the most for your money.

If the mechanic who says it needs cats is also the one who checked it out & said it was good, he either needs to drop his labor & markup for the cats, or at the very least refund everything you paid him for the inspection (and you should never go back to him, but give him a scathing review).

 

Get a second opinion. CATS shouldn't go bad in 94k miles. When they do, there is an engine issue which should be addressed first.