CAT guard....

I'm sure this has been mentioned before, but I don't feel like searching....
So, about a year ago I had my truck parked in a "secure" lot near the airport, while I was out of town for a week. When I returned (at 11pm) & started my truck, my heart sank. I immediately knew what happened. Grabbed my flashlight & sure enough, BOTH rear cats had been cut & stolen. To say I was pissed is an understatement. I live about an hour from the airport, so that required a $500 flatbed tow, uhhggg. Anyway, took it to ol' Toyota & fortunately they had the parts at a distribution center close by & could get them the next day. Insurance did cover the $3200 fix. They said I was lucky they had the parts because CAT theft is so common & rampant. They said they had a guy with a Gen 3 that had been waiting 7 MONTHS because the parts were in Japan. Remember that whole shipping issue around covid?

Anyway, I would HIGHLY recommend getting a CAT guard. I wish it wasn't necessary, but it's a lot cheaper than replacing your CATS. This one cost about $450. You do have to drill some holes, but the screws have a proprietary head/insert. So, it's not 100% fool proof, but chances are a thief isn't going to spend 45+ minutes trying & get it off. So, just a word to the wise.

 

I have an aftermarket skid plate that is basically the same thing. I forgot who makes it but the shape is nearly identical.

It also covers the transmission so that some unaware tech doesn't drain your trans fluid instead of your motor oil.

I'd recommend dropping it once a year to clean up behind it, check the fasteners for damage, and also to get access to lube the front driveshaft (if you have one).

 

Yeah, I'm sure skid plates will also help. But, I live in South Florida, so not much need for a skid plate. This guard is stainless & a good ¼" thick. Good thinking tho....I'll remove it from time to time to check for anything under it that shouldn't be there.

 

Rci sells a cat guard option that bolts to one of the skid plates

 

I installed mine (along with a fuel pump kill switch) about 3 years ago due to the abundance of crimes without consequences.

 

LEGIT.

 

Sorry to hear that happened to you, I hate thieves!
My neighbor had her catalytic convertors on her Lexus stolen twice in 4-months.

I got the Miller Cat Shield.

 

pending install RCI because costlier aluminum seems pointless on an off road truck

until then if anyone tries to steal my rusty old cats and funds free upgrades let me know when you’re done