Question about Cat Shields

I had the Cali Raised cat shields installed on my 2019 OR by a local shop. My gf dropped the truck off and picked it up because I was out of town. I took a peek at them and they appear to be installed correctly, however, it looks like they did not put the crossmember support brackets back on. The videos and instructions online use them. I was wondering if I should visit the shop and try to recover them or if the truck is fine without them. I found a pic online and circled the support brackets for reference, its raining pretty bad outside so I can't snap a picture at the moment.

 

I don't know the exact purpose of those supports, but it seems like a smart idea to have them there. I doubt Toyota designed them for no reason.

I'd go back to the shop and get them. Hopefully they still have them.

Just read up on them a little bit. They appear to be there to add stability to the frame especially for wheel alignment, suspension, improve driving stability, etc.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I’ll see if they still have them. Otherwise I’ll have to try and find some online

 

they are not supposed to be removed, only loosened to install the shields and then tightened back up

 

I hope you can recover them.
This would be on the shop BTW - Their job was to install a shield - not remove structural components from your vehicle.
I'd point that out.
This is cross bracing. I think you'd want it on there. Toyota eliminates many bits to save a buck. Since this would cost a FEW bucks, I imagine, it is important to have...

 

Thanks for the replies. I will try to recover them tomorrow. If I can’t, I guess I reassess the situation Lol

 

Pretty sure that the RCI install videos reference that those parts are for protection that is rendered unnecessary by most skid plates... or maybe my memory sucks. I did not reinstall those on mine after full skid plate/cat guard install.

 

I saw this during my most recent internet search in the last hour or so. I saw several posts about people not using them after a skid plate install on Tacoma’s, 4Runners, etc. I guess the logic being that the skid plates do the job of the brace/bracket and use the same mounting points. I’m okay with that, they are very solid. I’m more annoyed that the kit gives instructions that they are to be reinstalled…and whoever the mechanic is that installed them clearly didn’t bother to look at them and cut corners basically. During my searches I could not find an actual name or part number for them in case my OCD flares up and I decide to buy some and bolt them on myself. Thanks for the reply.