Millercat Catalytic Converter Shield: A Painful Lesson in Buyer’s Remorse

When Your 4Runner Deserves Better

Look, we all make bad decisions. Maybe you once used cheap Amazon rock lights that dimmed faster than your enthusiasm for an 8-hour trail repair. Maybe you bought “universal” mud flaps that turned out to be as universal as a land-use permit in California. But nothing—and I mean nothing—compares to the soul-crushing regret of buying a Millercat Catalytic Converter Shield.

On paper, it seems like a solid choice—stainless steel, advertised security, and a premium price tag. But in reality, it’s a frustrating, over-engineered, overpriced mess.

What Even Is a Catalytic Converter?

Imagine your 4Runner is like your campfire after making one too many bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers. It burns fuel (or questionable trail snacks) and produces a whole lot of nasty stuff. The catalytic converter is like that one buddy who throws sand on the fire before bed—it takes all those toxic, smog-filled fumes and makes them slightly less offensive.

A catalytic converter is like a high-tech filter that sits in your exhaust system. As the nasty, polluted gases from your engine flow through it, a chemical reaction takes place. Using rare metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, it transforms harmful gases (like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides) into less harmful ones, like carbon dioxide and water vapor.

So why are people stealing them? Because those rare metals inside are worth serious cash. Scrap metal thieves can sell stolen catalytic converters for hundreds of dollars, and it takes them less than two minutes to saw one off your car. That’s why products like Millercat’s shield exist—to act as a protective barrier against these quick-grab thefts.

Why Millercat is Not the Move

Millercat looks like a premium product. It even costs more than the others and appears to cover a larger surface area. So it must be better, right? NOPE. It’s a masterclass in overpriced disappointment.

🚫 Weak bolts – Prone to breaking, stripping, and ruining your install day.

🚫 Assembly required – Unlike the Cali Raised LED shield, this one comes in multiple pieces.

🚫 Heat issues – Poor airflow design leads to excessive heat buildup, turning your undercarriage into a DIY pizza oven. Hope you like your skid plate medium rare.

🚫 Noisy and rattles – Because nothing says “quality” like a $250 rattle trap.

🚫 Terrible customer service – Ever tried reasoning with a rock? That would be more productive than calling Millercat. They won’t help you, but they will send you even more useless bolts—because clearly, those worked out great the first time.

Tools & Parts Needed for Installation

Parts Included:

• (1) Millercat Catalytic Converter Shield
• (A mess of cheap hardware you’ll have to replace)

Tools Required:

• Angle grinder – To cut replacement bolts when the factory ones snap.
• Patience – Because you’ll need it.
• A beer (or three) – For when you realize you wasted $250.

Step-By-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Read Instructions and Cry

• Realize that nothing lines up properly.

Step 2: Assemble the Shield

• Unlike a normal product, this comes in pieces that must be bolted together.

Step 3: Install & Replace Hardware

• Be Prepared for Hardware Failure: Carefully torque bolts, but be aware that Millercat hardware may fail even at manufacturer specifications.
• Proactive Solution: Save yourself time—go straight to Home Depot and buy stainless steel replacement bolts (M8 x 1.25, Grade 8 or higher).
• Addressing Rattling Issues: If the shield rattles, add rubber washers to minimize vibration.

Step 4: Accept Defeat

• Your 4Runner deserves better.

Final Verdict: Just Say No

Millercat is like a cheap rooftop tent from Wish.com—it technically works, but you’ll wish you got something better when the wind picks up, the seams fail, and you wake up under your own 4Runner instead of inside it.

If you enjoy the thrill of watching your money vanish into thin air, Millercat is perfect for you. Otherwise, save your sanity and check out our in-depth review of the Cali Raised Catalytic Converter Shield—because you deserve a product that actually works.

Disclosure

This post is not sponsored by the manufacturer mentioned in the article. I personally purchased the Millercat Catalytic Converter Shield to provide an unbiased review.

My experience highlights why choosing the right product matters:

• Millercat failed to stand behind their product.
• Their included hardware was faulty.
• I was charged a hefty restocking fee when I returned it.

This firsthand experience reinforces the importance of investing in a reliable product. Save your money. Buy Cali Raised LED instead.

Cheap Overlanding Gear That Won’t Let You Down (Unlike Millercat)

Enhancing your overlanding experience doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some highly-rated items under $30 that can add convenience and joy to your adventures:

• Quick Fist Original Clamp - Ideal for securing tools and equipment to your vehicle, these durable rubber clamps are essential for any overlander. They hold objects from 1" to 2.25" in diameter and are easy to install.
• GearLight LED Headlamp - A reliable headlamp is crucial for nighttime activities. This one offers a bright beam, adjustable strap, and long battery life, ensuring you can navigate in the dark with ease.
• Frelaxy Compression Sack - Maximize your packing space with this durable compression sack. It's perfect for storing sleeping bags, clothes, or other bulky items, keeping them compact and organized.
• LifeStraw Personal Water Filter - Ensure access to clean drinking water wherever you are. This portable filter removes bacteria and parasites, making it a must-have for any overlander.
• RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel - useful for digging yourself out of the many holes you might get into, or making new holes.

These affordable accessories can enhance your overlanding trips, adding both functionality and comfort to your adventures.