CATALYTIC CONVERTER SHIELD FITS 2016 - 2023 TACOMA

Good point on the torque. Did you get those specs from a service manual or something?

As I was cranking everything tight I was wondering about that. On the passenger side, when I was tightening the nut/bolt combo it felt like I was crushing the frame as I went but it never seemed like it got lock-down 'tight'. A torque spec would have been helpful. I'll go back and check everything with those specs. However I'm not sure the security bolt bit will take that much torque, I could feel it straining under what I was giving it and it wasn't close to 30 ft/lb.

 

I do not like how converter touches the shield. Seems like it should have been bent with a deeper cup. Give it at least a 1/4" clearance.

 

Just a thought, can it be removed since the converter shield is essentially taking it's place?

 

I found a torques specs guide here on the forum, listed under the Engine Assembly page. The torques specs for the 4 bolts for the Cross brace are 24ft/lb or 33Nm. The torques specs for the 2 Transmission subframe bolts are 30ft/lb or 40Nm.

 

I finally got mine on and they fit exactly like yours do. The cut-out has ~1/8”-3/16” of clearance from the rubber hose, but it does make contact with it if I push up on it a bit. I don’t think it will rub the hose under normal driving, but I could see it possibly wearing into the hose over time, especially if you spend a decent amount of time on dirt. I don’t think it would hurt to add even a little more clearance than the already updated design.

My driver’s side shield also presses up against the cat like yours. I hope that won’t be a problem in the long run (wearing into the cat, or creating more heat, etc…). Thoughts @CaliRaisedLed ? I think making the whole thing about a 1/4” deeper would be better.

I was wondering how hard it would be to bend these out of the way by hand if a thief really wanted to (since they aren’t bolted at the front), and honestly it would not be hard to do. Whether a thief would bother is the question tho, and I’m sure most thieves would move on to an easier target without trying. However, if they did give it a good yank while under there, they would realize pretty quickly that it can be bent out of the way at least enough to get a sawzall in there without a lot of trouble and then yank the cat out towards the rear. I think some spot welds connecting all the vertical bent tabs would add considerable strength and make bending them out of the way a lot more difficult.

All in all, I think they are decent for the money, and will likely deter non-determined scumbags, but they could benefit from a few more tweaks IMO.

 

Saw an email from Cali they were doing a 10% sale this weekend. I reached out since my covers were still in process and they gave me a credit on my existing order. Awesome guys!

 

Finally got around to installing mine. Ordered on 11/10 so I’m sure I was in the first batch.

Only complaint on fitment is as others have said…drivers side cat touches the shield. So far no rattles. Plenty of room for the hose and did not have to modify any mounting holes.

Can’t beat it for the price and piece of mind.

 

I got mine and I'm very impressed with the build quality. They were easy to install my self and thanks TW for the torque specs. Wait time about 2-3 weeks (I forgot).



I was worried about a rattle and decided to use 3M outdoor tape. I also decided to use my original bolts/washers. Didn't want to lose the security key and drill it out years from now. Wheel locks anyone?

 

The “security key” is a standard bit that you could easily replace.

 

Hopefully with all you guys help Cali get this perfect I’m holding out till then.

 

Yes you are right. I had a bike rack (one up) and kept losing the damn key. Haha

For others this is what I meant by security keys/bolts.

 

I say just go for it. I believe they are running another deal around $160?

I recently went in for an oil change and asked what people were spending to get their cats replaced. The dealership quoted me around 3k!! Parts are also back ordered. Private mechanics/ muffler shops are also back ordered in Washington. I only know this because a coworker got hers stolen out of her driveway. They are hitting the suburbs now.

 

Yikes. Not sure what an oem converter cost but looks easy to put on. I may could weld a piece of pipe in there but I’m not sure if the computer reads at that sensor near it or not.

 

depends on how much damage is done when they are cut and yanked and if you have to pass a DEQ inspection for tags
2 years ago 1 cat was about $450 to replace and my guy was griping at the price increase then

 

I don’t have state inspection. So I wonder it’ll run without codes with just a straight pipe.

 

Not to mention most people's deductibles are like $500. My thought process was that it's better to spend $160 on these than eat $500 down the road and deal with the hassle of waiting, insurance, parts, etc.

 

Any news on the 2wd shields? Placed order Nov 16.

 

My shields actually arrived over a week ago. Finally got home Thursday, and was too tired to put them on. Now it’s just too damned cold to put them on. It’s supposed to get up into the 50’s late next week. Perhaps I can get them installed then.

 

I pulled the trigger on the 2wd v6 got the discount couldn’t resist.

 

Just placed my order for the 2wd. Last minute Christmas gift of giving myself peace of mind.