Do I need skidplates?

I'm waiting for delivery of a new TRD ORP sometime around the end of January. I had a 1990 4Runner for a few years long ago and I'm really looking forward to getting a new one.

I'm not planning any hardcore 4-wheeling, but I will regularly take it on some rougher FS roads to access trailheads and campsites in CO, UT, NM, AZ etc. Also will be my daily driver but I'm pretty much retired so my daily driving is mostly trips to the grocery store, local trailheads and the local ski resort. I'm more of a trail runner/hiker/skier/dispersed camper than a true 4WD enthusiast or overlander.

The 4Runner I have reserved comes with the Predator steps - I'm planning to sell those and order the 5 degree sliders with step plates from RCI during their current sale - I'm wondering if I should also order skidplates as they'd be 20% off if I order it all at once. I'm not sure what kind of additional underbody protection I'll need, if any, and don't want to go overboard if it's not needed. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

I may also add larger tires, and possibly upgrade the suspension to something like the Eibach pro-truck kit with a 2.5" or so lift, but will likely drive it a bit first before deciding on all that. But any advice is welcome!

 

Pretty much impossible for us to tell unless you show the trails. Unless someone in your area knows the trails you plan to go on.

But doesn't sound like it.

 

Thanks, I will likely hold off for now then.

 

I've done a fair amount of off reading in some of the areas you are going to be in. I think an engine skid is a good investment as that takes the brunt of rock strikes and similar and protects the most vulnerable part of the truck.

Another benefit of an aftermarket engine skid (most of them, anyway) is an oil filter access hatch which saves time and effort when changing the oil.

I never have felt the need for any other underbody skids, and looking at the underside of my Runner after several years of ownership I see only a few scrapes here or there, none of which are significant enough to have needed underbody skids, despite being off roaded.

Summary, consider an engine skid but probably nothing else underneath.

 

I’d say unless the trails are the type where you need to get out and plan out your lines, you’ll probably be fine.

Even if it’s rough, if you take it slow, plan your lines, and use good judgement, you can avoid needing extra armor. Your stock plates will let you slide over little things you might touch down on, just dont count on them to survive sliding if they have full weight of vehicle on them. Even with aftermarket armor, there are also plenty of other things that can touch down just as easy like lower control arm frame mounts, exhaust behind the transfer case, rear diff, rear shock mount area, etc. So you need to be careful either way.

In other words, it pays to be cautious. And you can do a lot with just the lift, sliders.

 

The one other consideration, depending on where you live, for a transmission skid is it sort of doubles as a catalytic converter theft deterrent. Some skid mfg. companies actually offer additions to their tranny skid to really deter cat theft.

I have the RCI engine skid, didn't see the need for the rest, as @MeefZah stated, but did add a MillerCat cat shield.

My justification for the RCI skid, besides just better protection, whether taken periodic advantage of offroad or not, was the ease of the oil change process vs. removing the oem plate.

 

When you go wheelin', your 4R will let you know if it need skids. It could be an expensive lesson.

 

Thanks for all the replies. You all are very helpful!

 

May be take it slow & understand the needs based on the trails you take. If you know trails in CO this is me and my buddy taking BMW X1 on Switzerland trail. I make sure not to make a single scratch on this X1. I'm not scared to accept the limit and turn back.

 

They won't hurt. Get them, protect yourself at all times. A rock under the snow hit me right in the nut, and RCI saved me. We get carried away on the trails and do stupid, and that's when steel helps.
RCI is giving discounts, check them out.

One more thing. If you plan front steel bumper, then think before you buy skidplates. RCI bumper filler is not compatible with other bumpers. Buy everything of the same brand like ARB or RCI.

My rig

 

Since this thread was revived I thought I'd update on what I did. I ended up ordering sliders plus the set of 3 steel skids from RCI during one of their sales early last year (before I even took delivery of the 4Runner). The skid plates cost me just over $1025 shipped and they included the Cat guards as part of the promotion they were running at the time. The sliders were $965 shipped so all in it was about $2K. I sold the Predator steps for $250 so net cost to me was about $1750. I installed it all myself - took maybe 8 hours total and I did buy a jack and jackstands to help with the install. I figure the Cat guards alone could easily save me the entire cost of the setup...

The sliders are less useful for getting in/out than I hoped - not an issue for me at 6'1", but my 5'4" wife finds it a bit challenging - they are a bit too high for her to use as a step. But they are really useful for standing on to reach the roof - loading paddleboards, washing the roof, etc. And they might help protect from door dings in parking lots. I was glad to get rid of the predator steps as they collected a ton of snow/ice and got my pants all dirty every time I got in and out. And they just didn't seem that useful as steps either.

I don't plan to add steel bumpers, seems like for my use that would be overkill. I probably didn't need the skidplates or sliders either but it seemed like a relatively small cost which could prevent some expensive damage so I decided to go for it.

So far I've only had it on one real 4WD road up near Lake City, CO plus a few times testing it out on some local stuff. The skids have not take any hits but the protection did add some peace of mind. On that trip, this past July, I was hiking some 14ers and ended up taking a fall and tearing my rotator cuff pretty badly. I had surgery in October to fix it, so I haven't really done much driving since then and the 4Runner is only now approaching 5K miles. The shoulder is healing up well so far with PT etc, so hopefully by this spring/summer there will be lots more road trips in my future.

Edit to add: I sold the stock tires and replaced them with Falken Wildpeaks in the stock size. Suspension is still stock for now, may end up upgrading that at some point but for now it seems adequate, although a bit rough when off-roading.