Catalytic Converter shields?

I am picking up my Tacoma on Monday. I live in a low crime area but will be making ventures into more interesting areas. It has to be relatively rugged, this will be a work truck 60% and fun truck 40%, and for both of them, there will be occasional unexpected terrain.
From total DIY jobs to 'bolt on this awesome kit', I'm open to suggestions.

 

This is the first thread about Cat shields, probably why you couldn't find one in your search.
yes, get some.

 

I literally searched 'Catalytic converter' and the first three pages nothing mentioned shields. Thanks for being so patient and congenial!

 

The TW search function is da poo-stick. Use your favorite search engine and add “Tacoma World 3rd Gen” and it searches this forum so much better. You will find copious amounts of threads on the subject.

GL

 

Heh, already did, and in all actuality, I should have the first time out: 'site:tacomaworld.com catalytic converter shield'
Mostly, I am just getting a kick out of how supportive and friendly most of the folks on here are.

 

Let us know your engine size and 4x4 or 2WD. That will help generate suggestions. I have a V6 4x4 and have a MillerCat stainless steel. Very happy with it and no rattles.

https://catshield.com/products/mill...en3-35l-4x4-cat-shield?variant=44197525815545

 

I got the Cali Raised cat shields and they were a pretty simple install and are good quality for the price. Would recommend.

 

MillerCat

 

Cali Raised is what I chose to install

 

Where are you located? I took mine off because I was sick of removing it every time I had to lube the front u-joint.

It's too expensive to ship, so a local pickup is required.

 

I was told the Tacoma expensive cats (V6) are tucked up high and only the less desirable 2nd cats are readily accessable and thieves are looking for the bigger payday/easy to get at cats. I too live in a low crime area and so I didn't get the shields.
But then I rarely go to the big city in my Tacoma, I take the wife's old civic because I don't care if it gets dinged and scratched

 

Get the 12 or 14 guage stainless steel. A sazall can quickly cut through aluminum.

 

I went with MillerCat. Very easy to install by yourself.

 

I put the cali raised on my 2021, pretty easy install.

 

Southeast PA, outside of Philadelphia. You?

 

i have miller but if i had to do it again, i would get cali raised.
both are bolt ons. both are good but cali raised has an advantage.
cali raised is 2 piece so if you have zerks on your front propeller driveshaft, you don't have to take the shield off to grease them. cali raised is cheaper too though i have not checked recently. it is possible competition brought the price down. go to both websites and compare yourself.
cali raised was not an option when i went with miller.

 

I originally had the Talon's Garage one. But I recently switched to the Cali Raised one since I like the design a lot better. The Talon's Garage one was like a giant skid plate and blocked access to parts of the truck and would make maintenance (30K specifically) annoying since you would need to conpletely remove it. The pro is obviously it provides more off road protection.

The Cali Raised one is very low profile and covers only the cats. The downside to them is that they don't come in a manual configuration, which I see is what you have as well. The passenger side is completely exposed. You would have to weld on some plates like I did to make it work.

 

Our 3/16 Steel option with the reinforcing ribs is going to be one of the strongest options on the market if you want a skid plate as well. We also have it as an aluminum option too.

https://talonsgarage.com/products/toyota-tacoma-catalytic-converter-shield-3rd-gen-2016-2023-4wd

Works seamlessly with our full skid package.

https://talonsgarage.com/products/toyota-tacoma-full-skid-package-3rd-gen-2016-2023

 

good catch on the OP having MT. cali raised in that case is a rough way to go, requiring welding, but congrats on making it work.

 

RCI has free cat guards when you buy the transmission skid plate.