Cat Guard Skid Plate Compatability with SR5 V6 2WD 2017 (PreRunner)

I have a 2017 Tacoma SR5 V6. My area has a lot of catalytic converter thefts going on, so I'd like to put a skid plate across the mid section where the cats are. In California, you have to replace stolen cats with OEM ones for emissions rules, which is crazy expensive. I don't use the truck for off-roading, it's a daily driver. Cat Security sells a Tacoma-specific cat cover for 3rd Gen 4WD models here. I spoke with Cat Security and they said that this shield will not fit a 2WD because there's a slight difference in the undercarriage. I spoke with more Tacoma owners and was told that my truck is actually a "6-Lug PreRunner." As such, I have the same undercarriage as far as the mid section goes. Apparently, the 5-Lug Tacomas are built a little different.

Does anyone know why the Cat Security shield for 4WD 3rd Gens would not fit mine? I took some photos (best I could without a jack) and the undercarriage looks virtually identical.




Full photo album here.

Here's some photos from the install instructions for a 4WD 3rd Gen.



You can see more photos of how the Cat Shield is installed on the 4WD version here under "Professional Install '16 - '21 Toyota Tacoma 4wd"

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

I bought one recently. I'd be happy to help to the best of my ability if you have any questions about it

 

Do you feel like the plate is thick/sturdy? Are the side plates the same thickness as the flat center part?

 

It's thick and sturdy mostly because it's aluminum so it has to be thicker than a steel plate equivalent. I'm very happy with it. It almost doubles as a skid plate itbit weren't for the venting holes. Expensive but worth the piece of mind knowing that you didn't leave your truck defenseless. Side pieces are same thickness as the center piece. I think you have the option to choose the thickness of the plates. I just went with the thickest one

 

Thanks for the reply. Can I ask - how does the torx bolt go through the subframe? I believe the Cat Security plate comes with a bolt that feeds through the hole that I've circled in blue. If that's the case, I'm wondering why they recommend drilling two more holes on that subframe to feed rivets through rather than just adding two more bolts through the two extra holes (circled in red). It looks like the Cat Security plate actually has two precut holes for this purpose.

https://imgur.com/Ogqllb3

 

Marker numbers 1 & 2 from the picture above are new hikes that need to be drilled into the sub frames. They use rivet nuts as a way to create a threaded connection for the Cat protector.

The holes that you pointed out are too big to lay a foundation to create new threads for the torx fasteners

 

My thought was I could just use my own bolts and washers to create a connection through those holes in the red circles. I'd rather do that than drill through the frame.

 

It's possible to install it without drilling some new invasive holes, it just requires a little creativity.

The way I figure it, I already drilled holes in my frame to install my reservoir shocks, cut my front bumper to fit a steel bumper, cut my interior Console to fit custom switches. Another 4-5 holes in my frame is negligible compared to other things I have already done. That's the whole world of modding

 

You think I can get the rivets done with a cheapo harbor freight rivet gun like this? Or this

 

You don't need the buy that tool to be honest. There's a way to install the rivet nuts without the special tool and they actually give you the hardware to help you with that

 

Just installed this on my 2WD 3rd Gen. Cat City Muffler makes them specifically for the 3rd Gen 2WD here: https://getcatsecurity.com/purchase-online/ols/products/cat-security-toyota-tacoma-2016-2021-pre

https://imgur.com/a/jiNurcP

I first installed it without drilling the holes and putting the rivet nuts in. I felt it was sturdy enough. Later, I got to thinking that I should have done it "right" to avoid rattling down the road. So I went back under, drilled out the holes with a cobalt step bit, and crimped the rivet nuts in with some cheap tool from Amazon. The 2WD version comes with a plate that attaches to the side of the bell housing for the transmission. I skipped this because I don't really know how important it is to have those bolts torqued to a certain pound. Also, the reason they add this extra plate on the 2WD drive is because there's no differential taking up space on the 2WD. There's a small gap (literally super small) left for some one to theoretically fit a saw through. I really doubt anyone would go through that much trouble. Also, I installed the OEM TRD OR skid plate which blocks access even more. No way someone is going to take this thing off or saw through it and still have a good day.

To anyone that tries to install this thing at home, there's a few things you basically have to have: decent drill, a step bit or good bits to make the 7/16 hole, vice grips, and a way to elevate your truck off the ground. I used the vice grips to install the long hex bolt towards the front of the plate. You grip the nylon lock nut and let the vice grip wrench rest against the oil pan while tightening the hex bolt. Super easy method.

 

So I take it it doesn't matter if it's a 4wd or prerunner, it bolts up just fine?

 

No. You have to get the one specifically made for the 2WD PreRunner version. From what I understand, the length of the PreRunner skid plate is about 3/4" longer than the one for 4x4's.

 

If you spent that much money to protect your catalytic converter, extra holes in your sub frame is negligible imo