Shade tree anti-theft ideas

[Radshooter]

Since we moved to Phoenix it seems all I hear on the news is about stolen vehicles. Any do-it-yourself ideas to protect our rigs? I am not looking for an alarm system since I don't keep valuables in the truck. I want something that will help ensure that the truck will still be there when I want it. I used to have an old Toyota with an aftermarket electric fuel pump, so I wired in a hidden switch to the fuel pump. I am new to diesels, however, am not sure where to start. I searched and found some ideas for the first and second generation trucks, but not sure which will work on the third gens.



Thanks guys



Steve

 

[BGParks]

Anti - theft solutions

As someone who recently had a car stolen I understand your concern. Here's what I have done on my truck. I have three levels of security. I use one, two, or all three, depending on where I am parking and my assesment of the threat for that location. #1 I had my Dodge dealer install the Security Key option. This is the key with the microchip in it. After they installed it I started my truck with my old key and it started but then it immediately died and would not run. This is what happens if you defeat the lock cylinder by cutting a key, removing the cylinder, or breaking the steering column. Without the chip in the key talking to the computer in the truck the engine won't run. #2 I installed a starter cutout switch (this works for any diesel or gas vehicle). Just trace the smaller wire on the starter (the one that activates the solenoid) back up to a convenient location under the hood (it runs right by the fuse box). When you've found a good spot cut the wire and install a relay (a generic relay can be purchased at any auto parts for just a few bucks). Then run your switch leg up through the firewall to some hidden location inside the truck. Make it hard to see and find but still somewhat convenient and accessible from the driver seat. Put an inline fuse into the hot wire going to the switch leg of the relay and connect it to a keyed power source and then you're done. Now whenever you flip the switch the starter won't do anything when you hit the key. Simple, but effective. A thief is not going to take the time to try and figure out why he can't start the vehicle (time is you friend and his enemy). #3 Purchase an autolock. This is the type of lock that goes from the brake pedal to the floor - very, very hard if not impossible to defeat. The drawback is that it's a pain to use so I only use this if I'm parking somewhere that I'm really worried about. Hope this helps. I can tell you from experience, It's a real bummer to come back and find your vehicle is not where you left it!

 

[BRuppel]

i have heard of battery, fuel pump, and starter cut off switches. any one would work by itself.

 

[Spooled-up]

Since you have the 6 spd, you could splice a switch into the wire for the clutch pedal. If it's not sensing it's depressed, it won't start.

 

[PJ]

Back in 1979, someone stold my new Toyota 4x4. I thought the world was going to end! At that point, I thought, what am I paying insurance for anyway? Since then, I don't worry about any car or truck I own being taken as I carry full coverage insurance and if it leaves, a new truck will be in my driveway within a week or so. It just isnt worth the worries! Life is too short.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

Radshooter...



I just moved here too, if you see my Silver 03 with TDR stickers say hi. I too have heard so much about Dodge trucks being stolen in the PHX area... Got me scared a little too. I would like to do something really obscure but can't think of what... .

 

[GerryDrake]

Unusual noise

How about getting an AH-OO-GAH horn from JC Whitney and mounting it under the front section of the bed, with a switch hidden in the cab that would disconnect it, but otherwise leave it live to the ignition side. You could even do it through a relay that reset it to armed every time you turned off the ignition and you would hold in a button while you start, disarming it..... or some other similar variation..... It WOULD gather attention. .

 

[catoiler]

Any of you guys in Phoenix want to borrow my truck? :-laf

 

[PaulG]

Back in 1979, someone stold my new Toyota 4x4. I thought the world was going to end! At that point, I thought, what am I paying insurance for anyway? Since then, I don't worry about any car or truck I own being taken as I carry full coverage insurance and if it leaves, a new truck will be in my driveway within a week or so. It just isnt worth the worries! Life is too short.

best comment yet... . i have an alarm and it's a good one but it came with my remote starter other than that please take it i could always use a new truck

 

[MLipton]

Bolivian anti theft device has always worked well for me. when I lived in Bolivia theft was an evryhour experience so people would have 2 chains with the largest links you can handle with 2 locks that "look" large or tough to get apart. 1 chain is attached to the floor on a permanent basis and then gets locked through the brake pedal. the other chain goes from the brake pedal through the steering wheel with the lock being very visible from the windows. the idea is deterence. I have had a truck broken into - but they didn't even try to take the unit away. I now use just the brake to steering wheel approach on our 01 dually. you might also check with police in your area about diesel trucks being stolen - because if there is a low rate of theft of diesels - that will ease your mind a bit. good luck.

 

[DocDetonancour]

Speaking of insurance I just got the bill for the 04!!!!!!!!! WTH are us guys here in Spudville covering the theft in the Big City? AARP has jacked the rate 50% over the 96... Doc

 

[CKimball]

Auto Lock... . very hard to defeat and much better than any lousy alarm that does nothing but annoy people... . definitly worth the 50. 00 bucks... I am in the insurance industry and see all types of losses and have yet to have someone say that they had an autolock on and their vehicle was stolen. most say they have an alarm and even lojack (which is still a good investment as they usually catch the looser thief in the vehicle. If the thief wants your truck he will get it but make it harder by parking your truck in a way that if the thief trys to tow (with the auto lock installed) it he cant snatch it up by the rear wheels... my two cents

 

[dseabaugh]

Pls explain this 'auto lock'. where and how does it work and deter? where do you get them?

 

[nickleinonen]

those autolock brake pedal locking things are an ok idea, but try this. turn your key just enough to release the steering lock [one click in] and then grab the auto gear shift lever and pull it into neutral. with the key in the first position, you'll probably be able to pull shifter into neutral without touching the brake pedal... that works on most late model GM's and i think it works on the dodges...

 

[CKimball]

they are a lock that goes on your brake pedal arm and keeps the brake from being applied thus you cant drive the vehicle or take it out of park,. for those who have sticks you put it on the clutch pedal arm and again wont allow starting of the truck. VERY hard to defeat. and it aint chincy like the "Club" wherein you can cut the steering wheel and manuever the club off... you cant take this thing off with out the key without alot of time and damage (if they do get it off they may end up damageing the brake pedal but I doubt it as it is made of very hardend steel)... got mine (7 of them for all my cars)at Kragen (in california) shucks or checker anywhere else or autozone may have them... probably even wally mart

cameron

 

[ROCKJEEP]

I have the alarm and the autolock. But I also have lojack. Lowered my insurance and they can find it.

 

[Spooled-up]

I've never seen an autolock, but how does it connect to the steering wheel?



If you ever put that thing around your clutch lever, It could be easily removed because the clutch lever is made out of plastic!!

 

[DieselTweaker]

something smiple i use to do with my mustang when i took it out I would simply pull the ign fuse out or the fuel pump, quick easy and most people wont think to check a fuse if they are trying to steal something,,,,and another good thing it's FREE.

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

Gound harness by battery tray , run leads in cab , hide switch near emergancy brake for easy acces when exiting vehicle and allowing a nonchalant lookaround parking lots when hand slides along bottom of dash. SHHHHHHHHHHHH. Don't tell anyone. :-laf :-laf PS... . wont set codes if forgotten,won't get insrument panel powered up either

 

[GregTaylor]

i live in southern california and have had 2 vehicles stolen. one was a toyota celica and the other was a chev 4x4 z71. the both were recovered after the insurance paid for the cars. the chevy was stolen in frount of a 600 dollars an hour posthouse (video editing ) we saw the guy on the security camera break the passenger window 2 minutes after i went thru the frount door. i had the micro chip installed from the dealer but didn't think to remove it, as i entered the multi million dollar facility with the security guard and video cameras... well 3 months later they caught the guy he had spent many hours takeing the body off the frame so he wouldn't get caught with my vin number. this was his 3rd strike so he will get extra time in the pokie. i got what i originally paid for the truck short my deductable. i wonder if he's still enjoying his cell mates... ps don't drop the soap!