Factory catalytic converter protection

[KTM753]

Ordered the skid plate from FordParts.com. It was full MSRP but I signed up for an account recently and it included $20 off and free shipping promotion. So it was $140 before tax with free shipping. I had to select my local dealer and the shipping option was something along the lines of "in-stock or 1 business day to ship". So I don't know what that means, if my dealer has it in stock, it won't ship and I have to pick it up?

Well, I will post back either way when it shows up. That was by far the cheapest option with shipping or pickup included. I looked under my XL tonight and I do have the fabric diaper so I didn't order any bolts or nuts with it. I pushed on my fabric skid and it was rattling around. So now I know why at startup I got a rattle. Looking forward to ditching the rattling diaper and installing this metal skid plate. Our local mountain bike parking area is notorious for catalytic converter theft. This will give me some piece of mind they might pass on mine due to access.

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[oncechance]

Ordered the skid plate from FordParts.com. It was full MSRP but I signed up for an account recently and it included $20 off and free shipping promotion. So it was $140 before tax with free shipping. I had to select my local dealer and the shipping option was something along the lines of "in-stock or 1 business day to ship". So I don't know what that means, if my dealer has it in stock, it won't ship and I have to pick it up?

Well, I will post back either way when it shows up. That was by far the cheapest option with shipping or pickup included. I looked under my XL tonight and I do have the fabric diaper so I didn't order any bolts or nuts with it. I pushed on my fabric skid and it was rattling around. So now I know why at startup I got a rattle. Looking forward to ditching the rattling diaper and installing this metal skid plate. Our local mountain bike parking area is notorious for catalytic converter theft. This will give me some piece of mind they might pass on mine due to access.

You will need additional hardware to mount. You can reuse two of the rear bolts and two (smaller) front but you will need an additional two bolts/nuts for the front (side) mounts. They are the same size as the rear bolts.

 

[KTM753]

You will need additional hardware to mount. You can reuse two of the rear bolts and two (smaller) front but you will need an additional two bolts/nuts for the front (side) mounts. They are the same size as the rear bolts.

Thanks for the info. I will pick some up locally. Trying to decide if I want to attempt to drill the front two in the frame also.

 

[oncechance]

Thanks for the info. I will pick some up locally. Trying to decide if I want to attempt to drill the front two in the frame also.

My truck already had the front holes. I take it yours does not?

 

[tossty]

Did you remove the cheap fiber cover (I think others mentioned this?) in order to install the steel cover? Did all the mounting holes fit?

My F150 did not come with the fiber cover. Also the all the pre-drilled holes on the chassis did line up with the cover without any issues.

 

[medtech1]

Have any of you done any further steps to prevent the removal of the cover? ie? tack welding the bolts slightly or using security bolts?

I suppose once a cat thief sees it, he won't bother?

 

[powerboatr]

Have any of you done any further steps to prevent the removal of the cover? ie? tack welding the bolts slightly or using security bolts?

I suppose once a cat thief sees it, he won't bother?

no , i figure cat thieves have the recip saw, not a 15 mm wrench ans a 10 mm
but you never know anymore

 

[Je1279]

As with most theft deterrents, if thieves want it badly enough, they will get it. However, adding additional layers of complexity will often make them move on and pursue easier targets.

 

[powerboatr]

As with most theft deterrents, if thieves want it badly enough, they will get it. However, adding additional layers of complexity will often make them move on and pursue easier targets.

i have a nice pair of dogs that let me know when a rabbit enters the yard.
i would hate to think what they would do if a person slid under the truck. i bet he or she would not make it out unscathed.

 

[KTM753]

I measured the large bolts holding the brackets for the small screws and clip nuts for the fiber diaper. M10x1.5 thread by 30mm long. In case any one needs that info.​

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My fiber plate and all mounting hardware are intact. I am going to try and resell those parts and hardware. So I will need all new for the metal skid plate. 7/16 SAE is about 10% bigger than M10 and more readily available at the hardware store. I am going to buy 7/16 clip buts and 7/16 security head screws to provide another deterrent for cat thieves. The frame cutouts for clip nuts and screws are big enough.​

 

[KTM753]

Dang, Ford overnighted my skid plate. That's good free shipping!

Been searching for a 7/16-14 tamper proof security fastener and no luck. 3/8 is largest available. And that price is similar to M10 so I think I will stick with OEM size of M10x1.5. Hoping to get in installed over the weekend.

 

[medtech1]

Please help me understand - this is a metal replacement for the crappy fabric undercarriage piece? Is it compatible with the Powerboost?

Hey Ryan, I have an 2021 F-150 Lariat 3.5l hybrid.. (in Edmonton) I am going to be ordering this soon.. and trying it. I think it works on the powerboost. I have the cardboard fiber "skid plate" now, and will remove it to install this one.. The prices were all over the place when searching in Canada (and Alberta) for pricing as well. I'll post my experience once I order and get it installed.

 

[medtech1]

Dang, Ford overnighted my skid plate. That's good free shipping!

Been searching for a 7/16-14 tamper proof security fastener and no luck. 3/8 is largest available. And that price is similar to M10 so I think I will stick with OEM size of M10x1.5. Hoping to get in installed over the weekend.

I am interested in what tamper proof fastener you end up using. I did a brief search and noticed there is an assortments of security bolts, etc. hopefully of a fairly hard steel. Just something that a recip saw can't cut through easily. Please share your final results...

 

[Blue22]

Installed mine yesterday but since I didn't have the OEM fabric cover, I didn't have the 2 existing bolts to reuse but everything else went smoothly. For now I used zip ties to fasten the protector to the existing skid plate to eliminate any rattling but can anyone give me the size bolts I need? I tried using the bolts I used to mount the protector to the side of the frame but they were too small. Not sure if I only need 2 bolts or also u-nuts similar to what was attached to the 4 mounting locations on the frame.

 

[sbi]

Can someone explain the "oil panel" to me? What does it suppose to cover and is it covered now with the fabric shield (FX4)?

Thanks.

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