Protection for repeatedly stolen catalytic converters on 2022 Tacoma?

I have a 2022 tacoma with not even 7000 miles on it yet and my cats have been stolen twice in the last 4 months. Please someone give me advice on what to do. I have looked into cat shields but they only cover one of the 2 converters that keeps getting stolen. Im looking into skid plate kits but i dont want to spend that much without checking with others about if thats the best option. Please someone help if you can.

 

I guess 4-cyl is different then. On mine cat shield covers lower cats and upper ones are well hidden. Do they go after your upper cat?

edit: looks like Miller Cats is offering shields for the 2.7L

 

yeah on the 4 banger the cats are one after the other almost in a straight line. they got both of them with just 2 cuts to the pipe. im not sure if i explained that well enough but the research i have seen on the shields it covers the lower for mine but not the upper and the upper is the most exposed.

 

I’ve now seen the pictures.

Miller Cat covers both
https://catshield.com/products/millercat-2016-2022-toyota-tacoma-2-7l-cat-shield?variant=43456433553657

It looks like it covers enough pipe around the cats as well, but take a look yourself.

I have their shield in stainless on mine although they don’t specify material on this one.

 

Garage the Truck or move I know most likely not a real option or it would be done.

No matter the best shield will only stop the amateurs out for quick beer money

If a professional gang is working your area a shield will only slow them down another few minutes .

Unless you build a custom shield which is all most impossible for you as the owner to remove without cutting it off.

No bolts 100% welded on.

Good Luck !

 

I'm amazed that someone hasn't invented a dye pack that will explode so the thief is marked... just as they do with banks.

 

Valid Point but the thermal cycling and being on a vehicle would take lots of trail and error.

To work up a device that would work ,not explode at random , yet trigger when needed yet be easy to put in a safety lock . All most impossible to by pass .

Yet be at a price easy to afford.

Seek Venture Capital go for it.

Place a exploding dye packet in a bank bag is much easier.

 

I appreciate the help. I figured there's really nothing out there. I live in south Florida. Miami area and they been whacking people out here I got hit twice in 4 months. I know you said weld one but you think a full skid plate kit would do the trick. Also 2 birds with one stone type of deal. I'm gonna need it eventually anyway

 

Anything that is bolted in a normal fashion say 6 to 10 bolts can be removed quite fast .

To be of benefit it needs to be so difficult to remove Your looking at a good 30 minutes .

A few cats is better then the whole truck.

Good luck !

 

There is one that explodes with dye.

 

Cat strap dye defender . Who woulda thought?

 

Can you eliminate the cats and straight pipe it? I did this on an old Nissan hardbody pickup, it actually ran better. I don’t think Florida has state vehicle inspection?

 

Just spit balling, stamp/etch the VIN# in plain sight, so bad guy sees it (hopefully before he cuts it off)

 

Wow you gota just move.

 

Get the cat shields and get a garage. Be careful where and when you park your truck while out. Add an apple air tag to your truck as well… so if they take the whole thing you’ll know where it is.