Cat Theft Deterrent - Skid/Shield Options

Just got mine from Talon today, installing tomorrow.

 

Unfortunately, this thread is going completely off the rails. My intentions were to share the different cat protector options and document my findings on the one particular product I decided to purchase. There is limited information on the internet for the Talons Garage protector and for cat protectors in general. Turning people away from a small company is not the goal but hopefully Talons Garage will take the information and better the product.
I am no "keyboard warrior" but I was hoping to share my findings with the community to help 4Runner owners make informed decisions. For some, these may not be issues and for others it might be a deal breaker. Take the information as you feel fit.

 

not too worried about my cat but how's about a gas tank shield to discourage potential gun shot victims from drilling into my tank?

 

RCI and Victory 4x4 make tanks skids.

 

Thinking of getting the RSG one, anyone here care to update their experience with it?

 

Another option.

 

I purchased and just got done installing the RSG cat guard. Ordered 13 June and got it yesterday so exactly what they said on the site that it will take 6 to 8 weeks for powder coated. It weights 25 lbs. and is pretty robust. I tried to get my sawzall in the front gaps and it will barely fit in but you can't cut as can't move or rotate the sawzall, I'm not worried about it. So, for $375 shipped to my door (Colorado to Tennessee) I'm happy with it, and it was packaged up good for shipping through UPS. Some pics below not of installed as they have those on there site.

I was going to make my own out of heavy duty expanded metal (like whats on trailer ramps) but don't have the right tools to bend it up where I need it. I cut out a piece for my grill using a angle grinder and it took awhile to cut through this stuff. In my opinion this stuff would work as a guard and would let airflow better around the hot cats.

https://rsgmetalworks.com/collections/5th-gen-4runner/products/cat-skid

 

I went with the cat shields that come for the RCI skid plates. It is not providing full coverage but seems adequate for this setup.

 

Excuse all of the dirt. I just installed C4s full skids on mine and they do a pretty good job of covering up the cats on both sides of the truck. It's another potential option if you are looking to install full skid plates anyways.

 

Same for the CBI's as well. I'll take some pics soon.

 

Update: I did end up removing the Talons Garage plate and replaced it with an RCI trans skit and "wings". The overall fit and finish of the RCI product was more in line with what I was after. The powder coated finish and zinc hardware are more refined in comparison. I also noticed the uncoated Talons plate started to show signs of galvanic corrosion where it was in contact with the steel frame. Although aluminum does not "rust" like steel, it will corrode when in contact with a dissimilar metal (if not coated). I'm confident the powder coated finish will inhibit that corrosion.

The aftermarket skid plate options from RSG and C4 also seem like good alternatives (per the photos above) but I was looking for aluminum specifically. Feel free to keep updating this thread with photos of cat coverage. I hope this thread will help others decide on which option is best.

 

I did a bit more research on the Cat Security site, and it seems there are quite a few reviews with photos from 4Runner owners, i.e.:



Some showed a painted/powder coat finish, they must have had this done this themselves prior to installation:



One thing I like about this one is it seems like you could remove it without having to remove the engine skid (at least in my case, the RCI engine skid), as the forward most bolt shown above on the left side of the photo may or may not be necessary. If that bolt is not used, the other bolts I think could be removed to drop the skid for maintenance purposes. Another thing is this one tucks up higher than the Talons Garage version, and seems to have more gap coverage. I didn't read all the reviews, but didn't see any negative input except for the cost.

Another detail I found is the price on this went from your $339 listed in your post above to a current price of $389.00.

 

Another post (mostly for my sake ) showing my rig and the rear mounting of the RCI engine skid for reference:

 

Another point about the Cat Security skid shown in the photos above - it would seem that drilling into the cross member would be necessary for installation, as there are no existing holes in the cross member where the rear of the engine skid mounts, that match those three bolt locations on the front of the Cat Security skid. Probably means drilling holes and using rivet nuts...that alone disqualifies this one for me.

 

After reviewing all the options, I decided if I went with anything, it would be the MillerCat SS shield. Easier to remove if necessary, not much weight added, and it tucks up higher than any of the transmission/cat shield combo versions, and is less $$ than those. Stainless instead of aluminum to avoid any reaction issues with steel mounting hardware and aluminum.

I’m just trying to convince myself I need one of these…

 

Of course you do
I want, I want, I need, I need.
Along with a bunch of other stuff.

 

Didn't you read my status title??!!

 

Indeed

 

Cat security can be installed without drilling.. Just don't use the 3 torx screws that require drilling.

 

Now you've done it...the MillerCat ss shield just showed up yesterday...

 

I suppose so. However, I went with MillerCat, thanks.

 

Well, now you can blame me and not feel any guilt.
☠️

 

Can you update us on the shield? I’m considering this one as well but will probably go aluminum and throw a nylon washer between the shield and frame screws. I did this on my tundra and it helped with squeezing when the frame flexed.

 

https://urdusa.com/urd-off-road-y-pipe-for-2010-2020-4runner-v6/

Instead of guarding them, why not remove them?
Its always and option.

 

Interesting option. I’d like to see a side view to see how much lower that exhaust pipe hangs that cuts across the transmission oil pan.

 

Fine if you never plan on passing emissions testing again.

 

I plan on installing it this weekend. Stay tuned for updates. The aluminum version also looked like a solid option - with the discount code they run about $285.

 

MillerCat shield installed today. Very simple install (if you don't mind crawling around underneath your 4R), made simpler by having an RCI front skid plate. The back of the RCI skid ends on the cross member, leaving room to slide the bottom plate above it, and thread the long MillerCat bolts up through the cross member without having to remove the skid. I got both of the long bolts to thread on the first try.

I chose to mount the main shield plate first, with all the bolts snugged but not tight, then added the two side wings last with the bottom on. The instructions say to mount the wings prior to installation; it works either way. I lined everything up, made sure nothing was rubbing anywhere, then tightened all the bolts up pretty snug.

I also did this with the front wheels on ramps to give me extra room under there.

 

Many thanks for the guidance here! I don’t want to spin this thread off topic but what is the collective experience here with catback install costs?

 

Received my new 2023 ORP June 21st with dealer installed Cat protection. Not sure of the brand but the metal looks heavy duty.