Tundra Catalytic Converters

[J-Hooked]

I was test driving some trucks on Friday. At Carmax they said they have to park their Tundras up near the front door because of the problem with cat converter theft. Apparently the Tundras have 4 cat converters on the exhaust. That, plus the high ground clearance seems to get them targeted by thieves more than other trucks. Interesting... Anyone here have a problem with that?

Right now I'm considering Tundra and Silverado because they both offer a locking rear differential in 2WD.

[atxtracker]

I have heard of the Tundra cats being stolen. It's alot more common than you'd think. Last year at my work there were 5 brand new Honda Elements that had the cats cut off. The more ground clearance you have the easier it is. In the last few years auto manufactures have been stamping serial numbers on the catalytic converters. They are a hot item for scrap yards and recyclers.

[Dez]

I read that 4 runners were also popular with the crooks. I think a sawsall would set my alarm off.

[TexMax]

So your considering not buying a tundra because someone might steal your exhaust...?

[ChitownLonghorn]

I have had my Tundra for 2 months now and have not encountered any Catalytic Converter thieves, if I do, I will post a full report with pics. :P

[J-Hooked]

So your considering not buying a tundra because someone might steal your exhaust...?

It's not a show stopper. I'm just ticking off items in the plus and minus column for each truck. For Tundra, the gas mileage and the cat theft issue are (-), and the exterior, interior and handling are (+) for me. I've not yet driven a new Chevy with the 5.3L V8, but the 4.8 seemed underpowered on an '08 or so that I drove at Carmax.

[J-Hooked]

I read that 4 runners were also popular with the crooks. I think a sawsall would set my alarm off.

Yeah, if I go Tundra, I'll get a good alarm.

[Dez]

If you drive both trucks in the same day you'll prolly be in the Tundra by evening!! I rent full sized trucks for work regularily and the Tundra is best on a long trip followed by the Ford f150. Don't love the Chevy and Dodge should stop making that POS 1/2ton truck. I understand the need for the locker though. Surprised Ford doesn't offer it. Aftermarket electric locker would probably be pretty high.

[J-Hooked]

If you drive both trucks in the same day you'll prolly be in the Tundra by evening!! I rent full sized trucks for work regularily and the Tundra is best on a long trip followed by the Ford f150. Don't love the Chevy and Dodge should stop making that POS 1/2ton truck. I understand the need for the locker though. Surprised Ford doesn't offer it. Aftermarket electric locker would probably be pretty high.

From what I've seen, Ford offers the locker, but just on 4WD packages like the FX4, which looks like a darned fine truck, but I'm attempting to go without 4WD.

[Dez]

Gottcha. The extra 3 or 4 MPG will be a big help in the future. These bastards are gonna try get us for all we got. I'm getting 12mpg, 10 with the boat on....Ouchy!!