CATALYTIC CONVERTER SHIELD FITS 2016 - 2023 TACOMA

I received V1 hardware with my V2 shields. Contacted Cali and they directed me to the new video and to use the OEM bolts. One thing that helped align everything was to move the crossmember bolts as far forward as you can.

 

Thanks! So, they send you the corrected ones from the beginning. I tried both ways their hardware, no spacers and the new hardware and OEM hardware without the spacers. I spend two hours attempting to install them. I am no young kid anymore lol!

 

Shout out to @CaliRaisedLed for the replacement part. Emailed them about having an issue on the v1 and they’re sending me another one (hopefully it’s the V2!)

 

This is all great news... so glad that @CaliRaisedLed figured it out. I sent them a note a few days ago suggesting that there wasn't a need to fulfill my replacement order until they were comfortable that they'd fit. This is the note I received this morning:

"Hey Richard,

We have already sent out the replacement cat shields, here is the video to the alignment issue

https://youtu.be/_AzHsOiPUN0

Steven Siluangkhot from Cali Raised LED"

So I'm looking forward to receiving them and I'll try to get them installed ASAP when I do and report back. Sounds like they should fit now. Phew!

I'd have no problem shipping the v1 set back. Not sure if that would just eat up more of their margin or not. They clearly work for some folks. I'd rather see them put to good use than go into a landfill.

Many thanks to everyone posting their experiences (good and bad). They really help the rest of us to set expectations.

EDIT: FedEx tracking shows that they should be here tomorrow (Tuesday).

 

Just installed mine. Tight fit but didn't need to force anything to fit the screw slot.

 

Great to hear. Looks like you were able to use the OEM transmission mounting bolts?

 

Correct. Those stayed in place.

 

Promptly heard back from Chris @CaliRaisedLed this morning, he provided new install video. Basically, Don’t use the spacers provided and it should line up, I’ll even attempt to use OEM hardware. However, Did not have time today to install, will do tomorrow morning. Hopefully putting to rest this strange yet captivating saga of the Taco Cat Shield.

 

Glad I found this, I just got them ordered today so if there’s an issue I’ll have a new course of action before contacting them.

 

That's great... thanks!

 

I attempted to installed them without the spacers and with the OEM hardware with no luck. After talking to Chris, he stated that some of these went out without the proper bends. So, they will be shipping me one with the new bends. Not saying it cannot be done it just didn't work for me.

 

Exact same for me.
Just got out from under my truck, this V2 version I have will not fit without spacers, either Cali or oem hardware. If I was on a lift and had multiple hands or devices to pull, bend and tweak it might be possible.
Frustrated, the saga continues …

 

Once I get the new ones, I will let you know how it goes. Third time is a charm. Like I told Chris @ Cali we should not be twisting, adding or removing anything they should just fit. I told him once they figure these out with no issues they will sell like pancakes. They are still doing the right thing in fixing the issues we are encountering.

 

@fasteddie23 should be a simple bolt on and go.
This will be my 3rd try as well, I have no doubt Chris and @CaliRaisedLed will continue to get us fixed up properly.

 

Might be a stupid question, but what process are you following to install them?

Are you going in this order:

1. Lift up shield with crossmember bolts sticking out like 1/4" or so
2. Align the side tab with the brace and get those screws in
3. Tighten the crossmember bolts

Or this order:

1. Lift up shield with crossmember bolts sticking out like 1/4" or so
2. Tighten the crossmember bolts
3. Align the side tab with the brace and get those screws in


If you follow the first order, the side tab aligns in my case. If you follow the 2nd order, the cross-member tab side pulls it forward too soon and makes the side tab not align. The way it was on my truck, once the brace bolts were in, the cross-member tab was like 1/4" away from the crossmember and tightening it bent the shield section into place.

 

In My case I did both orders with the same results, no alignment. Cali Raised stated they send me one with no bends so, is a defective product and they will send me one with the corrected bends soon. Just waiting on shipping information.

 

Makes sense. When you have both in hand, can you do a side by side photo?

 

Yes, sir will do. Thanks for input as well.

 

@dietcokefiend Attempted both ways described above, it seems logical that one of these methods would get close enough. Then it would just need some massaging to get into place and then BAM crank everything down and would be good to go. I tried doing this all in reverse order as well. No luck.
Same situation as @fasteddie23 it seems

 

I think hundreds of these are already out there and installed. He may even be on the winding down side already. This is like page 50 of multiple posts. Except for the possible need to replace the 1st iteration, but I bet he only replaces ones that complain to them. I doubt he will reach out to anyone on their own.