Catalytic converter protection

I'm a mechanical idiot with a 2002 2.7 four cylinder Tacoma standard bed. How many catalytic converters are on my truck that need protecting? I suppose I could look underneath my truck, but asking here seems easier. I'm planning to go with the CatClamp because it's the cheapest readymade option I can find and simple enough that I might even be able to do it myself. Also planning to get a kill switch installed. Both methods would seem defeatable, but I'm going with the theory that I only have to make it more convenient to steal someone else's vehicle/catalytic converter. Thanks.

 

I saw an interesting video about catalytic converter theft in that the thieves usually target newer vehicles because the precious metals haven’t been used up as much like on older vehicles, so your 2002 might be less of a target.

 

I went with the CCM skid plate on my 2WD SR5 V6. I also got an OEM off-road skid plate (the one that has a "bat" shape). On the CCM skid plate, I originally installed it without drilling holes, but ended up going back under to do the full install with the rivet nuts and holes. It'd be really hard for someone that has not installed one to know how to take the plate off considering the center bolt that runs up by the oil pan. Very awkward bolt to take off because you can't see the nut.

https://imgur.com/vkCukzf

https://imgur.com/OoexYw4

The 2WD model of this plate comes with an additional side shield that attaches to the flywheel bell housing. I opted to not install that as I don't know enough about the torque requirements and such for the housing. Probably overkill anyways.

If some one really wants to steal your converter, they're going to get it. Here in California, we have a mix of (a) petty/unsophisticated criminals stealing them with flat jacks and sawzalls and (b) sophisticated/organized criminals stealing them really quickly with an angle grinder, sawzall, and good tools. These plates will definitely deter the first group and probably deter the second group. These guys want to be in and out quickly. In theory, I think a sophisticated thief could bring a security torx driver and a handful of other tools to quietly remove the shield, then saw off the converter. I just don't see how that would be worth their time though. That would take AT LEAST 30min to figure out. They'd just move on to an easier target and get like 3 of them in that same time.

 

Is that the OEM TRD Pro skid plate?

 

Hi! We know the previous gens spend more time here in the third gen forum than their own, but you might still get a more informed response in the first gen forum. At least about their oh so superior trucks. Most here don't know and don't care about all that stuff. Just tolerate them like the crazy uncle at the family BBQ. Thanks for passing by!

 

Installed the Talons Garage cat protector/skid plate today. I’m very happy with it looks to be very solid and a good deterrent. Time will tell

 

I park in my garage and that's my deterrent

 

I do too but my garage cant go everywhere with me

 

Must

 

That guy is stealing catalytic converters in luxury!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9DTBc-Soos

 

If only my slightly lifted Tacoma could drop onto someone to prevent theft. Just a pin feature no kill.

 

Indeed. Having the Pro Skid on already and wanting to keep it was arguably what caused most of the extra work I had to do to get the CCM plate to fit under my truck.

I like the look of that one and the extra thickness vs. the 1/8" on the CCM, doesn't look like it'd work with the OEM Pro skid though so wouldn't fit on my truck unfortunately.

 

someone stole your neighbor??? WHEN WILL THE MADNESS STOP!?

 

i'd like to see statisitics on how many are actually getting stolen?

 

https://wktn.com/aaa-reports-catalytic-converter-thefts-soaring

"NICB recorded an average of 108 catalytic converter thefts per month in 2018. Thefts started climbing in 2019 and soared in 2020 to a high of 2,347 thefts in Dec. 2020."

https://www.statista.com/statistics/183505/number-of-vehicles-in-the-united-states-since-1990/

276,000,000 registered vehicles in the US. Seems like you are more likely to be struck by lighting then get your cat stolen.

 

well shit, I'd almost rather the lightning with how much of a pain it was when mine got snipped

I sure wish that was the case. They got mine off a '96

 

Wow, I’m sorry that happened to you, man.

 

I had said earlier not sure which thread but I had one stolen off my 2002 Sequoia. If hadn’t experienced it myself I might not have gotten the protective plate but having experienced it I’d much rather pay 330.00 now than the possible amount it will cost to replace them in the future if it happens again. A lifted Tacoma with possibly 4 cats is too tempting to a would be thief in my opinion.