Catalytic Converter Shields for the Tacoma, 4Runner and Land Cruiser.
Which plate protects the catalytic converters on the 2024+ Tacoma, 2025+ 4Runner and Land Cruiser 250, what a cat shield does and doesn't do, aluminum vs steel, hybrids, oil changes and other theft deterrents.
On the 4th-gen Tacoma, 6th-gen 4Runner and Land Cruiser 250, our transmission skid plate covers the catalytic converters. It slows a thief and makes noise but can't make theft impossible, and it doubles as trail armor for the transmission pan.
On the 4th-gen Tacoma (2024–2027), 6th-gen 4Runner (2025–2027) and Land Cruiser 250 (2024–2027), the catalytic converters sit under the transmission, and our transmission skid plate is the part that covers them. It is a 1/4" 5052-H32 aluminum plate that bolts to factory mounting points. All three trucks share Toyota's TNGA-F platform, so they share the same plates, with hybrid and non-hybrid versions. A shield does not make a converter impossible to steal. It makes the job slower and louder, and it protects the transmission pan from rocks at the same time.
Jump to: Which plate covers the cats · Why Toyotas get targeted · What a shield does and doesn't do · Aluminum vs steel · Hybrid trucks · Oil changes · Other deterrents · FAQ
Which plate covers the catalytic converters
We don't sell a separate part called a "cat shield" for these trucks. Converter coverage is built into the transmission skid plate. The product pages for the 6th-gen 4Runner transmission skid plate and the Land Cruiser transmission skid plate both list coverage of the transmission pan, the catalytic converters and the components that hang below the frame. The Land Cruiser plate also covers the front stabilizer disconnect module on trims that have it.
For the Tacoma, the Tacoma transmission skid plate covers the transmission pan and both catalytic converters, the same as the 4Runner and Land Cruiser plates. The 4th-gen Tacoma skid plate package covers the engine, transmission, catalytic converters and transfer case.
If you want everything under the truck covered, the full packages for the 4Runner and Land Cruiser include a two-piece engine skid, the transmission skid and the transfer case skid.
Tundra owners: we don't make a Tundra plate yet, so nothing in this guide covers the Tundra.
Why Toyotas get targeted
Catalytic converters contain small amounts of platinum, palladium and rhodium, which is why they have scrap value. Trucks and SUVs sit high enough that a thief can get under them without a jack. Theft tracks metal prices: it peaked in 2022, fell sharply through 2024, and platinum-group prices climbed again in 2025. The most recent Carfax list (2025 data) is led by full-size domestic trucks and SUVs rather than Toyotas, so the case for a shield on these trucks is high clearance plus a converter you would rather not replace. Our catalytic converter theft statistics page has the sourced numbers.
What a shield does and doesn't do
A shield covers the converters with a bolted plate. To reach them, a thief has to remove the fasteners or cut through 1/4" aluminum. That takes more time and makes more noise, and time and noise are what a thief in a parking lot wants to avoid.
What it doesn't do: it doesn't make theft impossible. Someone with enough time and tools can get through any plate. Think of it as one layer, not a guarantee.
The part people forget is that on these trucks the same plate is also trail armor. It protects the transmission pan, which hangs below the frame where a ledge or a high-center lands. A punctured transmission pan means a tow before you're moving again.
Aluminum vs steel shields
Most cat shields on the market are steel or aluminum. Both work. Here is how they differ.
| 1/4" aluminum (ours) | Steel | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lighter for the same coverage | Heavier |
| Corrosion | Doesn't rust; powder coat adds abrasion resistance | Rusts where the coating is scratched, especially with road salt |
| On a hard hit | Thicker plate spreads the load; can dent or gouge | Thinner gauges common; bends rather than gouges |
| Against cutting | Slows a thief; makes noise | Slows a thief; makes noise |
| Trail use | Slides well; doubles as the transmission skid | Depends on the design; some cat shields are theft-only |
We cut, form, weld and powder coat these plates in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and they're covered by our Limited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty.
Hybrid trucks
The Tacoma i-FORCE MAX, the hybrid 4Runner and the Land Cruiser 250 have a different layout under the truck than the non-hybrid versions. That's why the transmission and transfer case plates come in hybrid and non-hybrid versions. Every Land Cruiser 250 sold in the US uses the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, and the Land Cruiser transmission skid is the same plate we build for the hybrid 4Runner. Pick the version that matches your drivetrain on the product page, or call us if you're not sure.
Oil changes with plates installed
The engine skid on the 4Runner, Tacoma and Land Cruiser has oil drain holes and oil-filter access, so you can change the oil without pulling the plate. The transmission skid that covers the converters doesn't need to come off for a routine oil change.
Other ways to reduce the risk
- Etch your VIN on the converter. Many police departments and some dealers and muffler shops do it. It makes a stolen converter harder to sell.
- Check your insurance. Converter theft is usually a comprehensive claim. Know your deductible before it happens.
- Park smart. A garage, a well-lit spot, or close to a wall or curb on the exhaust side makes it harder to get under the truck.
- Cameras and alarms. A tilt or motion alarm can go off when someone jacks up the truck.
Our guide to cages, locks and alarms compares these options one by one.
Stacking a shield with one or two of these does more than any single step.
FAQ
Do you make a catalytic converter shield for the Tacoma?
Converter coverage on the 4th-gen Tacoma is built into the Tacoma transmission skid plate, sold on its own or in the skid plate package.
Does it fit the Land Cruiser 1958 and First Edition?
Yes. The Land Cruiser plates fit every 2024–2027 Land Cruiser 250 trim, including the 1958 and First Edition, with or without the sway-bar disconnect. See the Land Cruiser collection.
Is aluminum strong enough?
At 1/4" thick, yes. It is the same plate we build for trail use.
Questions about fitment? Shop all Toyota skid plates or call us.
Toyota plates in this guide
Shop your plates below, or email sales@juggernautusa.com with your year and trim and we’ll spec it.
Hybrid and non-hybrid differ. Order the variant that matches your drivetrain. Check the product page for your exact truck.
1/4 inch 5052-H32 aluminum plates for the Tacoma, 4Runner and Land Cruiser, built in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
