Why did Toyota put this here?

This picture is taken on the drivers side of the transfer case looking forward. The round metal strap is between the down stream catalytic converter and the heat shield. Seems to be of suspicious purpose.

 

Do you think spies planted it there?

 

Maybe to keep the insulation on the heat shield from sagging down on it in the future...WAG..

 

It’s suppose to make it harder to remove the catalytic converter. Does it stop people from cutting them off? No

 

Ding Ding! We have a Winnah!

 

The fact that it is there indicates it has a purpose even if that purpose isn't obvious.

Manufacturers don't do anything with parts or processes without a reason, it all costs money.

 

A suspicious purpose?

 

Bruh wat

 

It gives thieves a fun game when pulling the cat. Don't touch the edges.




Actually, I'm guessing its the opposite of the above suggestion. It limits the exhaust from banging up into the heat shield. (gotta remember that it does need to flex a little, between frame and motor mount movements.)

 

I was thinking the same

 

I love it when people decide to question the engineering and design of the vehicle they bought.

 

Maybe they could just use better insulation material that WON'T sag...?

 

Sure, they could do that. Then they'll pass that cost onto you. Do you want to pay even more for your truck than you already do? I bet you don't. Neither does the next guy.

 

Baby, hold my beer, while I answer this question; "Take that sucker off and lets see what happens, that's what I would do"

 

Or stick a $.05 bracket on there to keep their cheaper heat sheild from hitting the cat if/when it does sag.

 

…but don’t come even close to offering a reasonable reasoning to their ‘argument’ - which most often times it is not; it is simply an attempt to introduce random and ambiguous doubt into the conversation.

And this, most often comes in some form of conspiratorial or superstitious nature…

it reminds me of…

err, hmmm - well never mind…

 

If you tuck a pack of hot dogs between it and the heat shield they cook more evenly than if you put them directly on the exhaust

 

You mean like adding level lifts and overload springs? Ill fitting wheels and tires that require cutting stuff? Things like that?

OTOH I had a box of parts removed from my Miata, and others that I altered, that made it much easier to service. With no reprocussions.

The problem is too many design engineers have never had to repair or service their design after a few thousand miles. Only the folks who get to play on the Skunk Works teams do that.