Backfire/ popping and hesitation on hard acceleration

I would put it on a rack, remove the cat on the passenger side or the side with the misfire and drive it down the road. It'll sound like a racecar but you'll see if the cat is stopped up and won't cost you any more money to replace unnecessary parts.

 

Bought it used, 4 yrs. ago, it is 17 years old, with only 175,000 on now, but have no idea or maintenance records, was trouble free until now, daily driver, love it, was told cats last about 15 yrs or so, unless it's burning rich, it affects the cats,wi wi all the miss firing going on. I think we're on the right track with the cats, thanks, will keep you updated.

 

Also timing belt and water pump should be changed, since I don't know if it was done.

 

Don't plan on getting rid of it, no rust on the body or bumpers frame was sprayed before I purchased it,spare tire holder loos the worse, some other small spots on frame also, work at a coal mine, sprayed off weekly, especially underside and inside bumpers, the acid in the coal dirt/mud is definitely not good for it.