TRD engine skid v. aftermarket

Thanks a bunch. I do not have KDSS so the braces should be able to stay.

 

Now that I have seen more installs of other skid plates, those KDSS protector braces seem to be there as reinforcement for the stock skid plate. Other skid plates, including modifying the OEM TRD skid plate requires them to be removed. I guess the idea is that the upgrades skids can take more abuse than the standard one.

 

the braces also support the bulkhead/radiator support.

the necessity of removing the braces depends on the design of skid plate. RCIs engine skid for KDSS 4Rs doesn’t require the removal of the braces.

 

I should’ve just gone with the RCI one. So far I have some regrettable expenditure on this build

 

Not that people care but I went with RSG Metalworks front skid. Perfectly beefy for what I want. Sad that it takes some of my ground clearance away, though. Made it work with my RCI tranny skid. Also have a Cali Raised gas tank skid.

 

Does it ride lower than the factory skid? And does the Toyota TRD skid plate ride lower than the factory skid plate? Just wondering what you reference is for losing ground clearance. I put a Toyota TRD skid plate on my Tacoma TRDOR (sold truck) and it looked good but a I got the impression it was lower than the factory skid plate. I never measured it before and after.

 

I never had the TRD Pro skid plate so I can't speak to that.

It probably didn't take away my minimum ground clearance other than the thickness of the metal, but the profile is different than the factory skid. It kind of bulges out in the front but is flat and hugs the cross member as one would expect. I may not be making sense... Let me try again. Okay on my side profile sketch the black is the factory skid profile and the red is mine and most aftermarket skids. It's probably the same as before (except steel thickness) it just looks more pronounced.

 

I see what you are saying. Doesn’t look like you lost any clearance from minimum.

 

Yes, cartrimhome offers a black style option that no longer requires painting.

 

Mine doesn't have KDSS either, I just removed 4 bolts(A) and installed the SKID PLATE, no need to remove the member braces.

 

If you stop & assess when you hit your front skid your needs may be different than those who plow ahead when they scrape something hard.

 

Give ARB 4-piece a look
Got KDSS. Can jack both front wheels from engine skid. No oil access tho. Forces me to check for leaks n grease periodically which is a good thang, enjoy the wrench be one with the wrench