Catalytic Convertor Theft Protection

[Maxie]

I have a 2020 Expedition Limited Max 4x4 with Heavy Duty Towing. Here in Texas, Catalytic Convertor theft has become a real problem and I was wondering if anyone had found a theft deterrent shield or any other device to protect the Catalytic Convertor? I have found them listed for the F-150, but not for the Expeditions.

 

[ROBERT BONNER]

9 mm cordless hole puncher works great for cats and fuel too.

 

[Midnight451]

It’s all over here in Chicago and suburbs. Mechanics are even offering to weld rebar and other cage contraptions as part of their service.

 

[LazSlate]

There are a ton of companies that make nice shields. MillerCat is one. Also I was looking at my timberline and looks where the trans shield goes (when Ford makes it) it will cover the cats. So that could be another option.

 

[SonofSal]

Where in Texas? I haven’t heard of anyone getting theirs stolen.

 

[Meeker]

I did some research recently - probably would go with the CatClamp.

Cat Strap: https://www.catstrap.net/

Cat Clamp: https://catclamp.com/

That said, my neighbor's Dodge 3500 pickup had the cat stolen last week, and my 2018 Expy XLT parked next door wasn't touched. Maybe Expy cats aren't as valuable / easy to steal?

 

[BMW2FORD]

The best upgrade to protect the cats and the transmission is to install the Ford F150 Raptor transmission skid plate. It replaces the felt one the standard F150 and Expeditions use and is made of stamped steel. The holes are already there, you just need the U nuts and bolts. Ford's part number for the skid plate is HL3Z-7222-C. Its a common upgrade in the F150 forums and some videos on YouTube. Only thing you'll need besides that and the bolts is the small cover for the oil drain access but I forget that part number.

 

[Fizzy]

The best upgrade to protect the cats and the transmission is to install the Ford F150 Raptor transmission skid plate. It replaces the felt one the standard F150 and Expeditions use and is made of stamped steel. The holes are already there, you just need the U nuts and bolts. Ford's part number for the skid plate is HL3Z-7222-C. Its a common upgrade in the F150 forums and some videos on YouTube. Only thing you'll need besides that and the bolts is the small cover for the oil drain access but I forget that part number.

Have you done this yourself? I might get the dealership to throw this on during its next service.

 

[BMW2FORD]

I looked at my own truck which is a 2018 and see it can be done. There’s also a thread called “adding skid plates to a 2018 Limited” in this forum and a few people that have with pictures. I’ll try to find the thread and attach it.

 

[BMW2FORD]

Here it is.

Thread 'Adding skid plates to 2018 Limited with tow package?'
https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/adding-skid-plates-to-2018-limited-with-tow-package.38146/

 

[ROBERT BONNER]

I did some research recently - probably would go with the CatClamp. Cat Strap: https://www.catstrap.net/ Cat Clamp: https://catclamp.com/ That said, my neighbor's Dodge 3500 pickup had the cat stolen last week, and my 2018 Expy XLT parked next door wasn't touched. Maybe Expy cats aren't as valuable / easy to steal?

The Ram probably had a Cummins? Diesel cats after 2010 MY have a lot more precious metals than gassers. Most diesel exhaust systems cost manufacturers upwards of $15K due to the metals. I have no idea what the black market value of the cats are; but, I contend that the poachers need to understand that the value can't possibly be worth risking their lives. Laying under a truck for however few minutes is an incredibly vulnerable position. If you catch someone in that position, you should do the following: remote start the vehicle, hit the panic button, call 811.

 

[5280tunage]

The Ram probably had a Cummins? Diesel cats after 2010 MY have a lot more precious metals than gassers. Most diesel exhaust systems cost manufacturers upwards of $15K due to the metals. I have no idea what the black market value of the cats are; but, I contend that the poachers need to understand that the value can't possibly be worth risking their lives. Laying under a truck for however few minutes is an incredibly vulnerable position. If you catch someone in that position, you should do the following: remote start the vehicle, hit the panic button, call 811.

I love the idea of remote start! I won't come out without a fun tool if you will, but our big issue here isn't the guy under the vehicle, it's the guy in the getaway vehicle that may also be armed. we had a recent example of a neighbor that came out as his neighbors cats were being cutoff, and was quickly shot at (luckily not hurt).

I'm glad that on my rig the RCI skid plates do a good job of making it a lot harder to get to the cats.

 

[BravoAlpha]

Big problem here in OK too. Meth head gypsies. Park in areas with cameras

talk with you insurance companies make sure you are covered.

they cut it out of my V10 Excursion this spring. Intermediate School parking lot, middle of the day.

 

[lptexastornado]

We have a 2019 XLT FX4 expedition. Does the FX4 package skid plates protect the cats? Or am I just as vulnerable.

 

[lptexastornado]

Bump … anyone know if the fx4 has skid plates and if they help protect / make it hard for the thief’s cutting out the catilytic converters???

 

[Trainmaster]

Here in NY if caught they just get a summons and walk away.

 

[TheDoug]

Bump … anyone know if the fx4 has skid plates and if they help protect / make it hard for the thief’s cutting out the catilytic converters???

I have the raptor skid plate and I think it would just add time for them to remove... it's only six bolts.

But these idiots usually go for the lowest hanging fruit so they may pass your by if it's harder.

 

[5280tunage]

what I don't understand is how this isn't being prevented more at a federal level, correct me if I'm wrong, but it's actually also federal regulations that say the removal of cats is illegal. So regardless of the value of the cat, it should be a felony no? I guess not that it matters if local law enforcement/DA's aren't going to bother with it.

I'm just proud to live in the state with the highest car theft and catalytic theft in the country (per capita of course).

 

[LazSlate]

I have the raptor skid plate and I think it would just add time for them to remove... it's only six bolts.

But these idiots usually go for the lowest hanging fruit so they may pass your by if it's harder.

You can use torx bolts or tamper bolts.

 

[Maxie]

My thanks to everyone for their input and information, I will be ordering the skip plate. For the individual who asked where in Texas, we live in Orange, TX, which is close to Beaumont on I-10.