Do cat shields prevent access from oil changes etc..?

My neighbor got their cat stolen from their tundra a month ago so I purchased these:
https://talonsgarage.com/products/t...lytic-converter-shield?variant=45335720788276

I was just wondering though, will these prevent mechanics from working/doing oil changes/ transmission fluid changes or any other maintenance work too? They seem to just bolt on so I guess that they would just need to unscrew but wondering if it'll make them charge me more or something

 

There are work arounds
Some cut access holes for the filter with a few different ways to keep the cover attached
Fumoto or MotivX drain valve with nipple for hose
Anything more than an oil change it’s probably easier to just remove it

 

Oil changes do not have conflict with your cat shield. The front skid plate will need to be removed if it does not have an access door/cover like to RCI or TRD Skid have incorporated.


Cat shield however, will need to be removed to service transmission and front diff.

Hope this helps.

 

Oil changes, no.
Trans stuff, like @Leo's first stated, just drop the shields.

I'm a strong supporter of cat shields since mine were stolen in November of 2021.
If I needed them now, I'd get them from @Talon2006



I have a TRD skid plate with the oil change door, but this is the difference between shields and no shields.

 

Just installed the full Talons kit on my Tundra last weekend. Definitely one of the best kits out there. I had the RCI trans with TRD knockoff engine skids before. You made a good choice with Talons. You won't be disappointed


I like that it's modular.

 

Dude those ramps remind of something my grandfather would’ve built. Stout
How do you move them around?

sorry op

 

Haha, my bro actually built em for me. They're extremely well built. Definitely heavy duty and heavy AF but they're also modular like my skids
The ramp part separates from the block

Also, they stay mostly in the garage where I work so not a whole lot of moving them around. Mostly just sliding em in position.

 

Oh yeah OP, like @Leo's first said, if you don't have them already, you definitely wanna get either the Fumoto valve or the ValvoMax for draining. And the full MotiveX kit for the filter removal which yes there is a small removable access panel on most of these engine skids. Those items will make oil changes super easy.

 

Lol! I feel like I got the answers I needed so it's all yours

 

@TacomaTRD4x402, I have Talon’s cat shields but thinking about the engine skid to complete it. Does the engine skid protrude quite a bit when looking at the truck from the front? I have the TRD Offroad stock engine skid plate (black steel plate not to be confused with the TRD pro aluminum skid plate) and it protrudes quite a bit but at least it’s black and some what conceals itself. I wonder how people like the TRD Pro engine skid versus Talon’s engine skid?

 

To me it doesn't really protrude too much. Only way you'd notice it is if your kneeling down about 10ft in front of the truck otherwise, you can't really see it. Here's a few front shots that I took after the install...

 

The aluminum skid was one of my first mods that I did to my truck. It's the TRD knockoff I bought from eBay. It's a nice plate but I'm happier with my Talons plates.

 

I have to pull mine for trans service. Regular oil change no problem.

 

Yeah that's what I think I'm gonna like about the Talons trans skid versus the RCI trans+cat. Since Talons is modular, it should be less of a hassle removing it for the rare instance that I'll have to do my trans drain n fill.

This is the RCI trans+cat:


All one piece and really heavy

 

Good to know and thanks for the pics!

 

@TacomaTRD4x402, one more question. Do you notice your Talon shields creak and slight popping sounds over uneven road or terrain? Mine are pretty quiet when I bolt them down initially but as time goes on I’m guessing the bolts slightly let off or the plates settle and then some of the noises come back. I’m thinking of trying some rubber pads between the plates and frame to see if it helps.

 

Im assuming that cat and trans shields also make it more difficult to do the transfer case fluid swap and grease the drive shaft?

 

I had popping and creaking with my previous skid plates so I placed a couple of rubber washers in between the contact points and that definitely helped. When I recently installed the Talons plates I did the same thing and used the same used washers. I do had a slight sound when accelerating and braking that sounds like it may be the plates so I'm going to inspect them and place new thicker rubber washers probably this weekend. I'm hoping the sound is the plates and not something else.

 

No I have a Miller Cat Shield with OEM skid and the only thing I can't do is transmission fluid service. I lower cat shield balanced on a bucket and slide it to the rear so I don't have to lift it off the ground for reinstall.

 

I have the Talons cat shield on my 1st Gen. I have to remove it to grease the zerk fittings on the driveline.

 

Had to remove mine once so far for transmission service. It was actually a good reminder for me because I couldnt quite remember how it all went on, also, great opportunity to clean everything, and it when much faster than the first time I installed them.

 

Just installed the talon garage cat shields.
Def gives me better piece of mind

 

The first weekend I had my 2020 Tundra, it was in my driveway and I was out getting groceries in my F250. My phone started going off, the house security cameras picked up activity in the front yard/driveway and began alerting me. Some guy was acting like he was jogging (in pants and hoodie) then looks around and dips behind my Tundra and I can see him on the cameras checking out underneath my truck. At one point he looked up and saw my camera, turned away and started walking off. I called my neighbor and then called the local PD, gave the PD three 15 second videos of the guy but they couldn't find him. Anway nothing was stolen and I moved the truck out to my BIL's ranch until I could get the Miller Cat Shields. I bought the full kit for my Tundra with the "wings" for the rear two Cats and did the same for my GF's 2020 4Runner. I've needed to remove the shields twice, once when I added a transmission cooler and again to change the oil/filter. IMO it is the best theft deterrent for the cats; any reputable Cat shield will send the thieves off looking for an easier target. Definitely a must, I live near Sacramento, Ca and Cats get stolen all the time. for the peace of mind, I have now the price is absolutely justified.