Cali Raised LED Catalytic Converter Shields: Install & Review

The Cali Raised LED Catalytic Converter Shields Universal Protection For The 5th Gen (2014-2023) 4Runner: Install & Review

With the unfortunate spike in catalytic converter theft in recent years, it’s no wonder why the advent of catalytic converter shields has become necessary. Combine that with a lifted truck, and you’ve suddenly become a prime target.

The average cost, including labor, to replace 5th Gen 4Runner catalytic converters is around $2,000. At a fraction of that cost, the Cali Raised LED catalytic converter shields are probably a wise investment for your truck. That holds especially true if you live in an area that is prone to catalytic converter left.

While any metal can be cut through, these stout shields should change the minds of any potential thieves and make them move on. If your truck is not an easy target, chances are that you won’t have issues.

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Overview

The shields are machined out of American 12-gauge 304 brushed stainless steel. This should ensure optimal cut and corrosion resistance once installed. They come unpainted, but in my opinion, the brushed stainless steel looks great out of the box. If you do decide to paint yours, be sure to use high-heat-resistant paint.

Catalytic converters generate a lot of heat when your vehicle is in use. Because of that, Cali Raised LED has included a ton of vent holes. These will ensure excellent heat dissipation and that your catalytic converters don’t overheat.

What I like most about these shields is their universal compatibility. Cali Raised LED states that they are compatible with 99% of skid plates on the market with regard to fitment. Best of all, they don’t actually require that you have aftermarket skid plates to install them. If you’re running the factory skid plates, these shields are still 100% bolt-on.

They install high and tight and are unobtrusive. Unless you’re intentionally looking under the truck (like a thief would), you won’t notice they’re there.

Cali Raised LED provides all necessary hardware, including tamper-resistant security bolts.

Note: The Cali Raised LED catalytic converter shields are only compatible with 5th Gen (14-23), V6, 4WD, A/T transmission 4Runners at this time.

Installation

To install the Cali Raised LED catalytic converter shields, you’ll only need a few simple tools and about 30 minutes.

Tools Needed:

• x2 14mm Wrench
• 12mm & 14mm Socket & Ratchet
• Universal Screwdriver (That accepts bits)
• Bottle Jack (Optional)

Step 1. Remove Frame Crossbraces

There are (4) 12mm bolts for each cross-brace. Remove both the driver and passenger side braces.

Note: If you have full skid plates with a transmission skid plate, you may have already removed these. In this case, skip this step.

Step 2. Remove Transmission Crossmember Bolts

On each side of the vehicle, there are (2) long 14mm bolts that go through the transmission cross-member. You’ll need to use a 14mm wrench on the rear-facing side to hold the nut in place while you loosen the 14mm bolt from the front-facing side.

Note: You may need to use a bottle jack to help prop up the cross-member. Once you remove the first bolt, the cross-member may sag and force the bolt hole to become misaligned.

Step 3. Install Provided Bolts

Cali Raised LED provides (4) new bolts and washers, two for each side. Loosely install these bolts where the factory ones were removed. One flat washer and spacer should be on the front-facing side and one flat washer and nylon locking nut on the rear-facing side.

Step 4. Install Rubber Stopper

In each shield, there is a hole cut out in the corner. Cali Raised LED provides a rubber stopper to install into this hole to prevent any metal-on-metal contact with the frame that can cause rattling. It may help to use a small pick to get the rubber stopper through the hole.

Step 5. Position Cali Raised LED Catalytic Converter Shield

The shields have laser cutouts for their respective sides on the corner. They are designated as “D” for driver and “P” for passenger, respectively.

Make sure the loosely installed bolts are pushed as for forward as possible. The shield has two slots for the cross-member bolts that will slide down between the flat washer and spacer.

Step 6. Reinstall Crossbraces & Security Hardware

Replace the factory cross brace over the shield and use the included screwdriver bit to loosely install (2) security bolts into the frame. Leave these loose enough for final adjustments.

Note: If you have full skid plates with a transmission skid plate, you may no longer use these cross braces. In that case, just install the security bolts through the shield, and into the frame.

Step 7. Tighten Transmission Crossmember Bolts

Use two 14mm wrenches to fully tighten the new cross-member bolts and you’re all finished!

Note: The driver’s side has much less clearance due to the exhaust pipe hanger.

Final Thoughts

I definitely have more peace of mind when I leave my 4Runner parked in public now, especially in the city. Just like any personal property security measure, these probably aren’t full-proof. However, they would definitely slow down a thief, and that may just be enough to make them move on. Catalytic converter thefts are a game of speed, and these shields slow that process down considerably.

As the cherry on top, they also look awesome. This is totally unrelated, but I honestly enjoyed photographing these during the installation process.

The Cali Raised LED catalytic converter shields are stout, easy to install, look great, and are less than 10% of the cost of having to replace the actual catalytic converters; that’s a win-win in my book.