As of recent, catalytic converter theft has increased all over the country. Unfortunately, this type of theft has become almost inevitable without additional protection. If this happens to you, you could end up spending thousands of dollars to fix the damage.
Thankfully, there are a few different choice for protection available for your 5th Gen 4Runner. This buyer’s guide will cover all of those options with regard to price, features, and protection level.
Table Of Contents
What Are Catalytic Converters?
Catalytic converters are part of the exhaust system. They help convert harmful pollutants from an internal combustion engine into less harmful substances. More specifically, harmful pollutants such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides are converted into less harmful carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor. It is a crucial component for meeting emissions standards and reducing air pollution.
Catalytic converters are made using precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The increasing value of these metals has made catalytic converters a hot commodity throughout the country. This is driving thieves to steal and sell them for scrap.
While the 4Runner isn’t a prime target (yet), hybrid vehicles are less fortunate. They have higher standards for cleaner emissions and thus contain a higher concentration of precious metals, making them even more valuable.
What Are Catalytic Converter Shields?
If you’re looking to protect your vehicle, investing in some type of guard is a great option. Not only will it deter potential theft, but it will also protect it from all other elements in normal and off-road driving.
Depending on the brand, it may seem like a pricey investment, ranging from around $180 – $400. However, that is a fraction of the cost of replacing a stolen converter. Plus, there is no guarantee that you will be able to get it replaced immediately, as manufacturers may be having a hard time keeping up with demand.
What Types Are Available?
There are a few different types of options that are on the market. They comprise of shields (which we talk about in this post) and skid plates. Let’s take a look at what is available.
Skid Plates
Skid plates are a popular upgrade for many 4Runners who off-road and overland, and they offer increased protection to your vehicle’s undercarriage. Specifically, major components such as the engine, transmission, and fuel tank. They help support the vehicle’s overall durability and help prevent costly repairs down the road.
Many manufacturers make options that also cover the catalytic converter. If you are already thinking of investing in a full set and don’t want to leave your cat exposed, make sure to check out one that will cover everything or be ready to add a compatible set, like Cali Raised.
Catalytic Converter Shields
These are a great option for those who are only looking to add protection to their catalytic converter. If you’re content with the factory skids and don’t need all the extra weight of a full setup, these shields could be a great option.
Note: Please make sure to check your fitment. Not all guards fit every 4Runner year and drivetrain.
1. Cali Raised
Find It Online:
-
- Cali Raised Catalytic Converter Shield: Check Price
- Installation & Review
Pros:
- Bolt-on installation
- Works with Cali Raised LED and other skid plates on the market
- Security hardware included
Cons:
- Fitment is only for 4WD 4Runners
- Bare finish only (Stainless Steel)
Cali Raised is a great option for those who looking to protect their 2010-2024 4Runner. It is a high-quality shield at an affordable price point. They are laser cut, CNC bent, and made from American 12-Gauge 304 brushed stainless steel. Stainless steel is a great option as it provides more durability due to its strength over aluminum.
There are ventilation holes throughout to provide adequate heat dissipation without impacting its integrity.
Installation is very straightforward. With the kit, you’ll receive the security hardware and everything is 100% bolt-on. That means you won’t have to worry about any welding or additional modifications. As a plus, it works with the majority of the skid plates on the market, including the 4Runner’s factory skid plates.
2. MillerCAT
Find It Online:
- MillerCAT Cat Shield: Check Price
Pros:
- Bolt-on installation
- KDSS, Non-KDSS, and X-REAS compatible
- Aluminum or stainless steel
- Works with TRD skid plates
- Tamper-proof hardware
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other options
- Will not work with lift kits that modify the chassis cross-member
MillerCat specializes in creating cat shields for all different vehicles, including 2014-2023 4Runners.
This brand stands out because of its compatibility to work with all types of trim levels including KDSS and even the XREAS suspension found in the Limited and Sport trims.
You can choose between a 16-gauge 304 stainless steel or 12-gauge 5052 aluminum. Again, there’s an option for everyone.
The only downside is that it will not work with any lift kits that modify the chassis cross-member. It is also very expensive compared to other available options.
3. Cat Security
Find It Online:
- Cat Security Catalytic Converter Shield: Check Price
Pros:
- Bolt-on installation
- Three-piece design for maximum protection
- Integrates seamlessly with your existing chassis
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not advertised to fit 2023 models
- Fitment is only for 4WD 4Runners
The Cat Security cat guard is another great option for 2010 – 2022 4Runners!
The design is a bit different than other options on the market. It is a three-piece design that allows for maximum protection from all sides. It was also designed with a precise fit to ensure a seamless installation. Unlike others, the logo placement and size give smog technicians a clear view for authenticating your catalytic converters. The main shield is made from a 1/8″ solid aluminum plate and has holes for adequate ventilation.
Easy bolt-on installation ensures a smooth installation and doesn’t require any welding.
The only downside is that it is only offered for 4×4 models. If you have a 2WD 4Runner, this is not an option for you.
4. RCI Off-Road
Find It Online:
- RCI Off-Road Catalytic Guard Kit: Check Price
Pros:
- Bolt-on installation
- Vented design for adequate airflow & heat dissipation
- Comes either Raw or Powder Coated
- Fits 2003 – 2023 4Runners
Cons:
- Requires RCI Transmission Skid Plate
This is another option, but limited in application. It is the least expensive out of all of the options without compromising quality. These shields are CNC laser cut from 1/4″ aluminum.
They are designed to bolt on directly to your 4Runner’s RCI skid plate and provide adequate airflow and heat dissipation through the slotted vent design. That is their main limitation.
The only catch is that they can only be installed on the RCI transmission skid plate. This means you have to buy both – which really only makes sense if you plan on already buying a full underbody package for off-roading. Paired together, however, they will give you seamless protection for your underbody.
5. All Precision & Custom
Find It Online:
- All Precision and Custom Catalytic Converter Cover: Check Price
Pros:
- Bolt-on installation
- Come powder coated
- OEM look w/ TRD badging
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other options
All Precision and Custom are a newer business at only 2 years old. However, the owners have 25 years of experience with precise cutting, punching, CNC, and forming, making them a great option to consider.
My favorite part of this particular cat shield is the OEM look that it has with the TRD badging. This is a small detail that many other manufacturers do not consider. While it doesn’t provide any additional benefits, it’s still pretty cool.
As with all of the other options on the market, this is a bolt-on that provides a precise fit. It is made from strong 14ga CRS and black powder coated for rust resistance. The added cutouts allow for airflow and heat dissipation.
It is one of the pricier options available, but it does include powder coating.
Final Thoughts
There were more than 150,000 catalytic converters stolen last year alone, and that number is not going to stop. With the increased value of the precious metals found inside as well as the economic crisis our country is facing, many people are resorting to theft.
If you want to deter this type of theft, buying a guard will be your best bet. However, these don’t always work. They are mainly a deterrent that makes theft more difficult, but not impossible.
At the end of the day, a cat shield will provide more protection than not having one at all, especially if your 4Runner is lifted, where they are easier to access.
As an added benefit, you know that everything will be safe both on and off the trails!
If you’ve recently purchased one of these, let us know below! We would love to hear what you think and why you chose that particular one.
Cali Raised website notes on the cat shields for 4Rs no longer say anything about KDSS incompatibility. Only XREAS.
I got Cali raised cat guards do not seem to me like a real protection!
If all examples have a con of “more expensive than other options,” what are the other options?
i put talon’s garage on my 2021… solid piece! highly recommend.
If you go on their website and expand the description, there is a disclaimer that they don’t fit with XREAS or KDSS. As i said below, this is because they haven’t tested them in house for fitment and won’t guarantee they fit. Doesn’t mean they won’t.
Not sure where the talk about the CaliRaised guards don’t work with KDSS came from? Can confirm they fit fine.
Hello Kevin!
On the website, under the notes section, it states “Does not work with any KDSS and X-REAS equipped models”
If you are unsure if it will fit your 4Runner, I suggest contacting Cali Raised directly to confirm fitment!
Kevin, when you installed the guards, was anything close to the KDSS system?
It must be a reason they list that it will not fit.
Bought the CaliRaised guards but nowhere did it mention not being KDSS compatible?! Is this true? There are two conflicting replies on this thread. Thanks!
Hi Josh,
On the website, under the notes section, it states, “Does not work with any KDSS and X-REAS equipped models”
If you are unsure if it will fit your 4Runner, I suggest contacting Cali Raised directly to confirm fitment!
Talons Garage also sells cat guard for the 5th gen 4Runner.
Awesome! I did not come across this company in my search, thank you for sharing!
RSG’s skid plates also include cat guard protection in their design. An additional plate mounts to the back of the cross member using existing and supplied bolts to limit access from the rear. Solid!
Hello Clayton!
They do! This post was specifically about cat shields so we didn’t include any skid plates that offer cat protection, but it’s great that companies are considering cat protection when designing skid plates.
RCI is listed and is a skid plate whit cat guards!
I was also looking at Cali Raised, but have KDSS. I contacted them and was told that several of their customers with KDSS have installed them with no problems, but their engineers haven’t tested this yet to verify so I guess it’s try at your own risk. My concern with some of the others is, how does this affect accessibility for maintenance like oil changes and propeller shaft lubrication. It would be a pain to have to remove them for routine maintenance.
Cat guards shouldn’t affect oil changes as they’re outboard of the oil pan and drain plug access and the picture of the Miller plates in the write-up looks like it uses the same mount locations as the stock skid plate. Accessing your prop shaft typically requires lowering or removing your aftermarket skids regardless though.
Thanks for the write up. I was going to buy the Cali Raised but found that it was not compatible with KDSS. Are all the others you talk about compatible?
Hi Sergio,
It seems there is some conflicting information regarding the Cali Raised skids. I would contact them if those are the ones you want. If not, the Miller Cat ones are compatible with KDSS. Hope that helps!