V8 T4R Catalytic Converter anti-theft options

[apv97]

I tried searching but wasn't finding anything...what are our options for preventing catalytic converter theft on the V8 4Runners. Vehicle related crime at cat thefts are out of control where I live so it's only a matter of time before my car is targeted.

I found this skid plate solution which looks nice but a little expensive. Anything else anyone has done? (e.g. a custom fab cage)

 

[taterhead47]

I tried searching but wasn't finding anything...what are our options for preventing catalytic converter theft on the V8 4Runners. Vehicle related crime at cat thefts are out of control where I live so it's only a matter of time before my car is targeted.

I found this skid plate solution which looks nice but a little expensive. Anything else anyone has done? (e.g. a custom fab cage)

I put a Talon's on our 5th Gen yesterday. We have a $1,000 deductible and we we've been experiencing a rash of thefts around here lately (in really nice areas). Worth it for the piece of mind, potential savings, and lack of hassle getting a car repaired to us.

The install was a little tricky, but it came together well and is really solid.

 

[meltdowner]

Bolt some cheap metal over the area the cats are in. Most thieves will be deterred by any interference.

Could strap a motion sensor light under the frame to light up when a thief gets under.

 

[aemravan]

CAT delete with doug thorley headers best deterrent ever... lol.

but on a serious note.. if my cats ever get stolen I am legitimately going that route.. the only true anti-theft options would have to be fabricating something beefy to either weld in or bolt in with odd sized/shaped hardware to keep from giving direct access. The factory exhaust is super easy and fast to cut through with a sawzall but if there was something thicker in the way I doubt they'd be ballsy enough to make that much noise for that long.

 

[Jubsz]

1. Procure Flashbang + Camera
2. Duct Tape Flashbang to frame rail
3. Using metal wire - Attach flashbang pin to the cat converter
4. Wire camera to take video
5. Wait...

Hopefully it never happens. If it does, the thief will probably drop the cat and try to leave. You can post the video somewhere so that it goes viral and find a way to monetize it. You should make enough off that to get it welded back together or even buy a new cat.

 

[y=mx+b]

I tried searching but wasn't finding anything...what are our options for preventing catalytic converter theft on the V8 4Runners. Vehicle related crime at cat thefts are out of control where I live so it's only a matter of time before my car is targeted.

I found this skid plate solution which looks nice but a little expensive. Anything else anyone has done? (e.g. a custom fab cage)

$345 is much cheaper than a catalytic converter or the headache involved with getting all that fixed if they are stolen. If you're in an area with a high degree of converter theft and this was in stock ready to ship, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. Things are expensive because people put in a lot of time, energy, and resources to produce them.

 

[Keros]

It appears that the CBI skid plates offer some pretty good width, and from images that I could find, appear to cover the cats.

Does anyone know if this is the case?

Most other skid plate kits seem to be 3x pieces. The CBI is 2x, but seems to offer the same length of coverage?

 

[PedroV]

I put a Talon's on our 5th Gen yesterday. We have a $1,000 deductible and we we've been experiencing a rash of thefts around here lately (in really nice areas). Worth it for the piece of mind, potential savings, and lack of hassle getting a car repaired to us.

The install was a little tricky, but it came together well and is really solid.

Thanks for the recommendation, just ordered a Talon for my 4th gen. Seems like a solid product that will serve the purpose.

 

[Iparker]

I’ve seen some folks suggest painting their cats with hi vis orange or red paint.

 

[apv97]

Thanks for the recommendation, just ordered a Talon for my 4th gen. Seems like a solid product that will serve the purpose.

I caved and just ordered mine as well. It's a lot of money for a deterrent, but I really don't want to deal with the hassle and cost of finding a new cat when mine gets stolen. The police in my city do literally nothing about auto-related crime.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The only real comment I have on those kits is that you're kind of screwed if you lose the "security bit" or a technician strips it out. We've been selling tons of these types of kits lately, mainly for 2nd & 3rd gen Prius (they seem to be the ones that get stolen the most these days) with the occasional Tundra and/or Tacoma.

They all come with fancy "upgraded security hardware" with a custom made torx-like bit. If you ever need service on the vehicle I can easily see some twat jamming the wrong bit in there or over-tightening them (they're only supposed to be torqued to something like 70~100in.lbs IIRC) and stripping them out.

Beyond that, I think they'll do the job if you are having issues with cat converter thefts.

 

[apv97]

The only real comment I have on those kits is that you're kind of screwed if you lose the "security bit" or a technician strips it out. We've been selling tons of these types of kits lately, mainly for 2nd & 3rd gen Prius (they seem to be the ones that get stolen the most these days) with the occasional Tundra and/or Tacoma.

They all come with fancy "upgraded security hardware" with a custom made torx-like bit. If you ever need service on the vehicle I can easily see some twat jamming the wrong bit in there or over-tightening them (they're only supposed to be torqued to something like 70~100in.lbs IIRC) and stripping them out.

Beyond that, I think they'll do the job if you are having issues with cat converter thefts.

Good to know. Thanks for the heads up

 

[rwh963]

I caved and just ordered mine as well. It's a lot of money for a deterrent, but I really don't want to deal with the hassle and cost of finding a new cat when mine gets stolen. The police in my city do literally nothing about auto-related crime.

now they will just steal the 4runner and bring it to a chop shop! hope not....

 

[Jakeepoo3]

The only real comment I have on those kits is that you're kind of screwed if you lose the "security bit" or a technician strips it out. We've been selling tons of these types of kits lately, mainly for 2nd & 3rd gen Prius (they seem to be the ones that get stolen the most these days) with the occasional Tundra and/or Tacoma.

They all come with fancy "upgraded security hardware" with a custom made torx-like bit. If you ever need service on the vehicle I can easily see some twat jamming the wrong bit in there or over-tightening them (they're only supposed to be torqued to something like 70~100in.lbs IIRC) and stripping them out.

Beyond that, I think they'll do the job if you are having issues with cat converter thefts.

Maybe integrate a hidden trip wire or sensor on the cats tied into the security theft alarm system.

 

[PedroV]

The only real comment I have on those kits is that you're kind of screwed if you lose the "security bit" or a technician strips it out. We've been selling tons of these types of kits lately, mainly for 2nd & 3rd gen Prius (they seem to be the ones that get stolen the most these days) with the occasional Tundra and/or Tacoma.

They all come with fancy "upgraded security hardware" with a custom made torx-like bit. If you ever need service on the vehicle I can easily see some twat jamming the wrong bit in there or over-tightening them (they're only supposed to be torqued to something like 70~100in.lbs IIRC) and stripping them out.

Beyond that, I think they'll do the job if you are having issues with cat converter thefts.

The Talon uses standard allen head bolts. Obviously, someone could remove it if they took the time, but the main idea is to make it difficult for them, so they move to an easier target.

 

[Jakeepoo3]

The Talon uses standard allen head bolts. Obviously, someone could remove it if they took the time, but the main idea is to make it difficult for them, so they move to an easier target.

Their coming in with zip wheels and saws if no one is around. In and out quick with a load.

 

[apv97]

The Talon uses standard allen head bolts. Obviously, someone could remove it if they took the time, but the main idea is to make it difficult for them, so they move to an easier target.

Just installed yesterday. Was trickier than I hoped even with the front end lifted up onto jack stands. Re: hardware — it is indeed just allen screws and despite my best efforts I stripped one of the bolts halfway in. Seems like a terrible choice for hardware on bolts this long...and they're not even theft-resistant hardware like security torx (which I think would be less likely to strip as well). I'm going to have to find a way to get this bolt out and replace it with the stock one (if it's long enough to bite) or go to a hardware store and get an alt. Do not recommend this product with the current hardware solution.