Factory 2021 ORP Lower Engine Cover

What protection does part number 51495 that isn’t installed on the 2021 ORP offer to the Limited and Nightshade models it is installed on?

Could a Limited or Nightshade owner please post a pic of the rear of their engine rock guard?

Pictured are the two unused tabs on my 2021 ORP that part number 51495 bolts to on the Limited and Nightshade models.

Thanks in advance.

 

in other words… can anyone post a pic of what goes here? Thanks!

 

My 2018 ORP has those blank tabs like yours. It looks like there’s a cover available like the one you showed, 51495. But why it’s called a “radiator support splash shield” is strange. It’s nowhere near the radiator.

 

Thanks for your reply.

Still looking for a Limited or Nightshade owner will post a pic of what their model 4Runner looks like.

 

Thank you for posting the photos. Can’t help but ask… can you see what is underneath that rear rock guard?

Thanks again!

 

Their purpose has been questioned since the first 5th gens came out back in 2009.

The best guess is the Limited 4x4 has a different transfer case(Torsen) and some engineer thought it needed it to keep water,snow and ice splashing on the torsens electric shifter switches and the part time transfer case in all the rest of the models didn't.

 

That’s interesting… doesn’t look any different than my ORP. Appears part number 51495 offers transmission pan protection.

kmeeg:
After looking at your signature line, I’m assuming your photo is of your Limited?

 

Thanks!

 

yep..

 

Interesting…. Looks like a plastic shield, correct? If it’s not to protect the the center diff area from water (as mentioned), maybe it’s just aero to cut down on some imperceptible wind burble noise ?

 

I took a pic today. There’s nothing under there to protect, just the transmission pan and the drive shaft. I think you’re correct about it being an aero deflector piece. Kind of like those plastic “spats” in front of the rear tires to supposedly reduce turbulence for better MPG.

I don’t know if my 2018 ORP ever had that piece. My first two oil changes were at the dealer so they could have removed it and never re-installed it.

However, they may be decent attachment points for a DYI catalytic converter cover.