Ways to increase theft resistance on third gens

I am a little concerned about how easy my 4runner would be to steal if someone wanted to. I have no immobilizer or alarm on the vehicle, you could probably use a jiggler to bypass both the door and ignition locks, or hotwire it.

I don't like aftermarket alarms, they always go haywire and completely disable the vehicle for no reason eventually. I also hate steering wheel locks because its not to difficult for someone to pick or cut the thing off.

Are there other options? I've seen kill switches and pedal locks. Anyone know how well either of those solutions work?

 

Timber Rattlesnake?

Put a couple fake ones in there most people will be terrified?

 

https://getcatsecurity.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIifXug8OK7wIVNzStBh0xYgNIEAEYASAAEgK0NfD_BwE

 

I use a steering wheel lock. Obviously a motivated thief can eventually cut through the steering wheel. However assuming that the thief is not really after my car, upon seeing the lock, he/she will be more inclined to find an easier target.

 

Kill switches are probably your best bet. Just hide it good.

 

50% of the total US driving population can't drive manual transmissions. The % goes up dramatically the younger the driver. By just having a stick shift you've foiled almost all millennial generation drivers.

 

Well I'm that .25% of gen z who can drive a manual

 

you probably dont have to worry about it. Kill switch or just pull the coil wire completely out.

 

yeah, funny how majority of younger drivers, cannot drive a manual....myself, in 50 + yrs of owning cars/trucks...my '97 4runner is the only automatic, I've ever owned...and it took me a long time to get used to not shifting / clutch / etc...

 

My biggest trouble with an auto trans is that when I need to stop, I try to hit the clutch, just out of habit. I've been driving a manual since I learned, back in '76. Invariably wind up slamming that big, wiiiiide brake pedal by accident, and giving my wife a seat belt bruise. Not to mention a really bad attitude the rest of the day.

I'll stick to the manuals every time.

When I had my Chevy Luv, I replaced almost every switch with toggle switches. Including the ignition switch, and the clutch safety switch. I didn't LABEL any of them. I put them in, I knew what they were all for.
I went to a mall in Yuma to pick up some stuff I needed, and when I came out, there was some weenie sitting in my truck looking around, trying to figure out how to start it. At least until I stuck my gun in his ear, and politely inquired just what the F&^% he thought he was doing in MY truck.
The cop a passerby was kind enough to call for me, this was before the cell phones became widespread, thought it was hilarious that the crook couldn't figure out how to start it. Not only did the crook get arrested, a number of people were laughing at him. I think that was a worse punishment than almost anything. Although I did press charges so he went to jail for a couple years for attempted auto theft.
The poor crook, the cop couldn't help laughing at him in court, too. Even his LAWYER laughed at him. The judge managed to hold it in until court was recessed for a while.

Best anti-theft set up I've ever had in a truck
Pat☺

 

Hi Pat,
This is quite an amusing tale that you've shared. I had a huge chuckle.
Matt