Need new front skid plate to simplify oil change?

Another cheaper option is to install studs for the factory plate. Makes dropping the TuRD skid a breeze.

 

I wish I had gotten the RCI before going with the TRD Skid Plate. I may eventually swap over but for now, I'll stick with the Pro plate.

 

I was somewhat skeptical about the oil filter access door being on the latest version, due to it not showing up in earlier photos on the CTH site. Then I thought maybe it has been updated, but with my luck, I'd get one of the older ones, without that access door.

Package arrived today. Seems to be a quality piece - 1/4" aluminum, powder coated silver, and yes, it does have the access door for the filter. I'll have some photos later when I get it home and once installed. The red TRD logo is individual letters that snap into pre-drilled holes...haven't decided whether to mount those, or just fill the holes with button-head bolts. There are depressions that these fit into that still spell out TRD, so maybe that might look ok...

Thanks @Daytonaviolet for pointing this option out.

 

Ha ha.. I'm a little guy and that's how I do..
I'm using those 4Runner jacks for many things. This is another pic from a future video..

 

why can you explain what did you not like about it thanks

 

Its more the "horror" stories about dealers removing the skid plate and stripping the bolts since it has to come on/off to do the oil change. With the RCI, theres no need to drop the skid plate to preform an oil change. So one less things to get screwed up.

 

Exact reason why I changed to RCI skids.

I did a quicker search on my email and found this pic of a complaint I filed at Toyota USA when the dealer messed up my skid plate bolts. After complained to Toyota USA the service manager apologized and fixed my skid plate problem. Then I ordered RCI skids.


With RCI skids I remove the 2 nuts on the service cut-out plate at the dealer parking lot before I give the car for service. When service is completed I tighten it at the parking lot.

I have another friend and 2 of his bolts are messed up. Planing to install RCI for his as well and pray that bolt holes are not screwed. When he visited me y'day he kept the skid plate at home as he was worried that the skid plate would fall while driving.

I think the problem is Toyota dealership using impact guns on the skid plate bolts tighten them until they strip out. I really wish Toyota put some strict rules on this for Toyota service department.

 

Patience, grasshopper...

 

I know...work gets in the way of life...

 

can you at least post better picture from the skid plate with the filter access door please it doesn't have to be installed thanks

 

Some pre-install photos:


The bolts for the cover plate use a 4mm hex key to remove.

 

thank you Sir now to order one i think we need a group buy

 

No problem. My biggest question is what, if anything, needs to be removed to mount this puppy. I'll find out later today. Gotta do some roof work first thing.

 

you need to remove the front plastic peace underneath the bumper & take off your Original skid plate and install the New Trd thats it here you go


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCMtPwgm_NA

 

Not exactly what I meant...of course you have to remove the oem skid plate and plastic guard. What I meant was what else needs to come off. KDSS-equipped 4Rs are a bit different. The video supplied, while somewhat helpful, shows an installation on a vehicle without KDSS, so is no help in that regard.

 

Good call on the 6 or 12-point bolts. Hex head bolts are notorious for stripping. Anti-seize, absolutely.

 

Probably not, but as soon as it came out of the box I knew it was for a non-KDSS 4R.

If Toyota decided to put that access door there, I think they'd sell a lot more TRD skid plates.

 

My roof job ended up taking all day and 3 trips to Home Depot yesterday, so I plan the install for today...

 

Well, what I was hoping wasn't necessary turns out to be, after all. In order to mount this skid plate, you have to remove these two support braces, circled in red below, as the skid uses the same mounting locations as the braces:



According to the site that these photos are from - https://trail4runner.com/2017/09/20/5th-gen-4runner-trd-skid-plate-install-kdss/ these two support braces are not really necessary, but I don't know how I feel about removing those, to tell you the truth. It seems those are there for a reason, and I don't know if I feel comfortable without them there. I guess in theory, the skid plate itself performs the same function as those braces, or those are really only there to mount the stock skid plate to, so maybe they can be removed with no issue...

This plate would probably work fine without removing these on a non-KDSS 4Runner, as those braces are also there, but shaped differently.

I have contacted CTH to see if I can return the skid plate.

Or, if anyone else with KDSS wants this skid plate, and doesn't mind removing those braces, PM me and we can work out a deal.

Installed photos


Depends on whether CTH will allow the return of an installed product, I guess. The two braces in question are on the ground in the photos.

 

I thought the braces stayed on and you just remove the bolts?

Does the skid plate work as advertised for doing oil changes ie no reason to take anything off anymore other than the access panel? Dropping the factory skid plate is a pain in the ass.

 

I went with a remote oil filter kit. Pricey? Yeah, but that new(er) oil filter set-up is a PITA compared to the up-top oil filter location on my 2007 FJ.

 

On my KDSS equipped OR, the skid mounted to the same bolt holes those braces did. I don't see how it could've fit with them still in place.

It's since been replaced by an RCI skid.

 

I bought an LFD steel skid plate for oil change ease, but after using the stud method for the TRD plate, I never used it. If anyone is interested in it, let me know.

 

So if you install the factory TRD skid plate do you remove the braces as well or is it set up different in the braces stay... And I'm trying to remember under there with the braces attached to

 

Can you describe or link to the stud install method? Thx.

 

These directions Read like you pull the bolts but leave the braces in place since you're putting new bolts in.

https://trail4runner.com/2021/07/23/car-trim-home-trd-skid-plate-5th-gen-4runner/

Step 3

 

I just picked up an RCI. They have a 15% off BF discount going on now till end of the month.

 

I talked to my dealer about my still all factory ORP. They said don’t worry about skid plate dealer has a tool now and does not need to fully remove skid plate. Not sure if it’s bologna or not.

I have not had to get first oil change yet but told them in spring I would like a more senior person to do it and not a rookie. Ugh more to worry about