RCI Cat Guards

and I just realized I didn't put the previous post in the "RCI transmission and transfer case skid plates" thread where I thought I was posting; Sorry fellas

 

glad they improved on it, cringed a bit after installing the tranny armor to find the cats more exposed than with those 2 factory bars. take my monay!
i added an extra shock sensor in the transmission well and adjusted the trigger to go off for a reciprocating saw vibrating on metal around the cats.
its a little problematic with the big bro mufflers ripping down the street sometimes but if theres no rumble and the alarm is going off, there could be a big cockroach under my taco

 

Order placed. Plan to take the advise made in this thread on replacing the skid plate bolts with specialty bolts. Does anyone have a link to said bolts?

 

It took a while to drill 8 holes, but was an easy install. I did more intermediate/pilot drill bit steps than the instructions called for to make it easier on the drill.

But otherwise, I just followed the instructions exactly and it fits perfectly. Leaves no space to be able to pull the catalytic converters out once installed.

 

I did the same thing to those covers but had to cut a little more aggressively to also accomodate the Caliraised LED sliders I installed.

 

What's involved with installing "an extra shock sensor?" This sounds like a good idea.

 

McMaster Carr

 

What size tamper resistance torx driver does it take?

 

https://belmetric.com/m8-button-torx-pin-screw-stainless-steel/?

^^^ Here's the link. I went with the 50mm length, but 35 or 45 may work, depending on your setup.

 

Thanks

 

Installed mine on 3/26. Super easy install.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/another-catalytic-converter-theft.740387/page-20#post-27106561

 

That looks great! I was just talking to my shop guy who does Tacoma/Forerunner upgrade installations and fabrications and he was willing to fabricate a thin metal piece that bolts on to the 2 slots on the bottom of the RCI skids and the 2 bolts where those 2 little cross bars used to be. He was going to charge a couple hundred for each side including painting and installation. But this seems like a really nice stock looking alternative.

 

Hardest part is waiting for it to deliver....lol

The instructions aren't the best as the design has changed a little since they made the instructions but the key is to line it up with the end of the angle on the left side of the last picture. Drilling the holes takes the longest but even that shouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes at worst.

 

My order came in today, only took a week to get them, thanks RCI.

Installed today using a mix of hardware with two supplied and two security bolts on each side.

It took me a couple hours to install, cheap drill bits and compulsive symmetrical disorder slowed the process.

 

Got an installed mine last night. The instructions are rather lacking, but it's also not rocket science and there is no need for high precision. Admittedly, anyone who really wanted to steal this can remove the whole skid plate with 2 wrenches, so it's not super secure, but it's enough that it will stop the quick attack where a guy just shows up with a saw. I think it was mentioned here by another user, but I too have concerns with the nylock nuts. Seems some deformed thread lock nuts would be better given the heat in the area, but we'll see how this holds up over time before I bother changing them out.

 

Installed mine today too! Look at post #36 above to see what mine looks like [minus the security bolts] I agree @rtadams89, that's why I applied some thread locker, but you got me thinking, there is enough residual threads on those rear bolts to add another nut I would think one nylock nut and one deformed lock nut would add a little more 'security' to better stop the quick attack and maybe more.

 

How strong are they, could someone just bend them down?