CATALYTIC CONVERTER SHIELD FITS 2016 - 2023 TACOMA

Looks like mine have more space. Pics are from the same place just at different times and different camera orientations. Shields are V2s (not V2.1) with OEM crossmember bolts.

I'm good with mine but I'd be concerned with @CenCal805

Off topic - @TRDRed Your garage floor looks great. We need more pics.

 

Is yours v1 or v2?

 

Sorry, I should have added more info to my post. I'll edit it but these are V2s (Not V2.1) with OEM crossmember bolts

 

Trying to prevent a $3000 cat converter replacement by installing cat shields that could potentially cause $6000 transmission replacement…
Having mixed feelings about this cat shields right now.

 

Just went to check my v2 plate. Got that torx bit there for reference. Right around 1/4 of space in that gap. If one was offroading, how much movement can the transfer case get? That isn't exactly unheard of with rubber mounts.

While one would expect perfect fit and finish, technically this fix is chopping off a corner, instead of trying to hammer in v1 levels of clearance. If a V2.2 version were to float around I wouldn't be surprised to see a shorter wing right there.

 

Just got back in from working on the driver's side shield. I got under there and studied it every which way I could trying to figure out how v2 could be modified to shift it further away from the front driveshaft U-joint. The temporary answer turned out to be (for me), brute force.

I removed the entire shield again and pondered the angles. There are a couple of solutions that would work with a redesign like @dietcokefiend suggested, but don't lend themselves to a DIY guy like me with limited fabrication tools - consisting of a few hammers a reciprocating saw, Dremels and such.

So I ended up putting the end of the shield that's closest to the U-joint in my vice and bent that section inward. I started with 3mm distance between the shield and the highest point of the U-joint and ended with about a 9mm gap. Tweaking it that way did bring the bottom of the shield into direct contact with the cross bar, however since the security bolts are connected to the cross bar slightly further up, that doesn't seem to be a negative. In the end I think you could probably take a pickle bar and bend that part of the shield in a ways using the driveshaft as leverage.

Put it all back together and it still easily clears the cat, I banged on it (no rattles), took it around the block, even put it in 4WD with no issues.

It's still too close for comfort for me. So I'm going to forward my findings to @CaliRaisedLed to see what they have to say and/or suggest.

I've attached a few photos, one before, one after and a couple showing the area of the shield that I bent inward to give some additional clearance in that area.

Hope that helps and I'll post back with any more info that I receive.

 

BTW, a big shout out to @CenCal805 for bringing this to everyone's attention. It may have saved us all a BIG headache!

I sent an email to @CaliRaisedLed along with some more photos tonight to see what they suggest.

 

ahh man. The good thing is that it isn’t rattling or it hits the driveshaft when 4x4 is engaged but I agree I think it’s still too close to each other. Let me know what Cali raised says!

 

As always, a solid write-up from you! I, and I'm sure others, really appreciate your help and ideas. @MTBTACORN has been super helpful as well and I appreciate your input and help.

To be honest, it was a lucky catch. Just took a quick look at it before sliding out from under the truck and caught it. I'm glad nobody (@hanlan75 ) didn't have any damage. At the very least, I'm sure it would have made a hell of a racket if 4WD was engaged. Would have made for an interesting few moments until you figured out what it was.

 

Well, I am going to install mine on Wednesday and if i come up with the issue as well being close to the drive shaft I plan on bending it back more so it wont interfere with the drive shaft. My hardest thing I will also have to deal with is crawling under my truck with side steps on.

 

I think trimming that corner is a viable option. Even though, I have about a half inch gap, I may trim it a little for peace of mind.

 

I was thinking the same thing, and bust out the angle grinder to cut a wedge out.

 

I reached out to Caliraised yesterday via email. They sent the same link this morning to submit to the engineering dept. and within 5 minutes I received a new "order confirmed" email. I guess they are sending out V2.1. No other communication. I'm hoping this 3rd version will fix the issue of it being far to close to the U-joint. I hate having to get another replacement but I don't see how, without trimming the shield, I could make V2 work.

 

Let me know if that one has more clearance, I was literally just getting ready to get a cutting wheel ready.

 

Any of you that placed an order on or after March 1 received your order yet?

 

Not yet. Starting to think it is a good thing though. Maybe they will have the kinks ironed about by the time they ship mine.

 

I will be sure to report back on if it provides more clearance. If it doesn't, I will be pulling out the grinder to cut away a portion for more clearance. Kind of tired of messing with it at this point.

 

I also had the V1 rattle and emailed CR. They have been great. My V2 was confirmed 4/7 and will arrive tomorrow 4/11. Very fast turn around.

Has anyone modified the V2? I'm thinking of using a vice clamp to bend it.

Random question: Is harbor freight okay for a torque wrench?

 

Hard to tell from the pics. Did you get increased clearance from V2.1?