RCI Catalytic Converter Guards – 4Runner, FJ Cruiser & Lexus GX | T4R-CATGUARDS

Add protection for the exposed catalytic converters on your Toyota or Lexus 4x4 with the RCI Off Road Catalytic Converter Guard Kit, part #T4R-CATGUARDS.

Designed for select Toyota 4Runner, Toyota FJ Cruiser and Lexus GX applications, these heavy-duty catalytic guards help protect the catalytic converters from both theft and underbody damage while maintaining proper airflow around the exhaust system.

The guards are constructed from 1/4-inch CNC laser-cut aluminum and are designed to bolt directly to the RCI Transmission Skid Plate, filling the vulnerable gap between the transmission skid and vehicle frame.

IMPORTANT – RCI Transmission Skid Plate Required

The RCI Transmission Skid Plate is REQUIRED to install these catalytic converter guards.

The T4R-CATGUARDS are not designed as a standalone catalytic converter shield. They attach directly to the RCI transmission skid plate to create additional protection around the exposed catalytic converters.

If your vehicle does not already have the compatible RCI Transmission Skid Plate, it must be purchased separately.

Vehicle Fitment

Designed for compatible:

Toyota 4Runner

• 2003-2024 applications

Toyota FJ Cruiser

• 2007-2014

Lexus GX

• Compatible GX applications within the RCI-listed platform range

Because RCI lists these guards across multiple generations and configurations, verify compatibility with the appropriate RCI Transmission Skid Plate for your specific vehicle before ordering.

Features

• Helps protect exposed catalytic converters

• Adds protection against catalytic converter theft

• Protects against rocks and other on- and off-road debris

• Fits select Toyota 4Runner, FJ Cruiser and Lexus GX applications

• Heavy-duty 1/4" aluminum construction

• CNC laser-cut for precise fit

• Vented design provides airflow and heat dissipation

• Smooth, flat surface helps the vehicle slide over trail obstacles

• Fills the gap between the vehicle frame and RCI transmission skid

• Direct bolt-on addition to compatible RCI Transmission Skid Plate

• Compatible with the Toyota TRD Pro engine skid plate

• Integrates with compatible RCI front and transfer case skid plates

• Installation hardware and instructions included

• Made in the USA

• RCI part number T4R-CATGUARDS

Catalytic Converter Theft Protection

Catalytic converter theft has become a significant concern for trucks and SUVs because their increased ground clearance can provide easier access to the exhaust system.

The RCI Catalytic Guard Kit creates an additional physical barrier around the exposed catalytic converters.

When combined with the required RCI Transmission Skid Plate, the guards help close the open areas between the transmission skid and vehicle frame, making the catalytic converters more difficult to access.

No catalytic converter protection system can guarantee that theft will be prevented, but adding a substantial physical barrier can increase the time and effort required to access the converters.

Off-Road Protection

The catalytic converters and exhaust components underneath a 4Runner, FJ Cruiser or Lexus GX can also be vulnerable to rocks, ledges and other obstacles encountered off-road.

RCI's catalytic guards provide additional protection against both on-road and off-road debris.

The smooth, flat bottom surface is designed to help the vehicle slide across obstacles while reducing exposed edges and potential snag points.

1/4" Aluminum Construction

RCI manufactures the T4R-CATGUARDS from 1/4-inch CNC laser-cut aluminum.

Aluminum provides substantial protection while keeping added vehicle weight lower than a comparable heavy-gauge steel design. It also provides excellent corrosion resistance for vehicles exposed to water, mud, snow and road salt.

Vented for Heat Dissipation

Because catalytic converters operate at extremely high temperatures, proper airflow is important.

RCI incorporates ventilation openings throughout the guard design to provide adequate airflow and heat dissipation around the catalytic converters and exhaust system.

Integrates with RCI Underbody Protection

The catalytic guards are designed to work as part of RCI's underbody protection system.

They integrate with compatible:

• RCI Transmission Skid Plate

• RCI Front Skid Plate

• RCI Transfer Case Skid Plate

RCI also specifies compatibility with the Toyota TRD Pro engine skid plate.

This allows the catalytic guards to become part of a more comprehensive underbody armor system rather than functioning as an isolated shield.

Installation

The catalytic guards are designed as a direct bolt-on addition to the RCI Transmission Skid Plate.

Installation can typically be completed quickly using the supplied hardware.

Important: RCI notes that drilling may be required if your transmission skid plate was manufactured before RCI introduced the catalytic guards.

The current catalytic guard design is engineered around RCI's latest transmission skid plate featuring a 2-inch double-bent side flange.

Older RCI Transmission Skid Plates

If you already own an older RCI transmission skid plate, verify its configuration before ordering.

Drilling may be required on RCI transmission skid plates manufactured before the catalytic guard mounting provisions were added.

Current RCI transmission skid plates are designed to accept the catalytic guards directly.

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: RCI Off Road / RCI Metalworks
Part Number: T4R-CATGUARDS
Product: Catalytic Converter Guard Kit
Material: 1/4" Aluminum
Construction: CNC Laser Cut
Design: Vented for Airflow & Heat Dissipation
Installation: Bolts to RCI Transmission Skid Plate
RCI Transmission Skid Required: YES
Toyota TRD Pro Engine Skid Compatible: Yes
Installation Hardware: Included
Instructions: Included
Country of Manufacture: USA

Frequently Asked Questions

What vehicles do RCI T4R-CATGUARDS fit?
RCI designed the T4R-CATGUARDS for compatible Toyota 4Runner, Toyota FJ Cruiser and Lexus GX applications. Compatibility depends on the RCI transmission skid plate installed on the vehicle.

Do the RCI catalytic guards fit the Toyota FJ Cruiser?
Yes. They are designed for compatible 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser applications equipped with the required RCI Transmission Skid Plate.

Do I need an RCI Transmission Skid Plate?
Yes. The RCI Transmission Skid Plate is required. The catalytic guards attach directly to the transmission skid and are not designed as a standalone catalytic converter shield.

Will these guards prevent catalytic converter theft?
They are designed to aid in theft prevention by creating a substantial physical barrier around the exposed catalytic converters. No catalytic converter guard can guarantee that theft will be prevented.

What are the guards made from?
RCI manufactures the T4R-CATGUARDS from 1/4-inch CNC laser-cut aluminum.

Why are there ventilation openings in the guards?
Catalytic converters generate significant heat. The vented design maintains airflow around the exhaust system to help dissipate heat.

Will these work with a Toyota TRD Pro engine skid plate?
Yes. RCI specifically states that the system is compatible with the Toyota TRD Pro engine skid plate.

Do I have to drill holes to install them?
Current RCI transmission skid plates are designed for the catalytic guards. However, drilling may be required if you have an older RCI transmission skid plate manufactured before the catalytic guards were introduced.

Are installation hardware and instructions included?
Yes. RCI includes the necessary hardware and installation instructions.

Are RCI catalytic guards made in the USA?
Yes. RCI manufactures the T4R-CATGUARDS in the USA.