Weekend Warrior Protection

Hey everyone,

I’m trying to figure out the best way to protect my 4runner when I take it off-road a couple of times a year. I was thinking of doing a full skid plate suite, but I’m worried about the extra weight and if it’s really necessary. I’m also thinking of just doing a front skid plate. Would that be enough to protect me from the mud and rocks that I might encounter in Florida?

I know it’s not technically necessary, but it’s one of those little things that I think could give me a bit of peace of mind. Plus, I don’t want to end up with a damaged forerunner because I didn’t have the right protection.

Let me know what you think!

 

Your TuRD ORP comes with front, engine and t-case skids. You're fine.

 

In all fairness, the OE skids are pretty weak. I put a dent in mine driving over an icy snow pile. Cannot imagine if it was a rock. But for most people, the OE skids will be enough if not frequenting rocky terrain.

 

those are cheap tin and won’t protect against anything but maybe a plastic bottle you run over on the freeway

 

are those skid plates or more of a stamped 2mm aluminum “cover” no?

 

I think Toyota actually refers to it as an under-engine cover, the Pro comes with an actual skid. I opted for RCI engine and transmission skid plates, in aluminum as I have no plans on rock crawling, but the same purposes you listed re protection.

 

Toyota refers to them as skid plates. I didn't measure them, but I believe they are thicker than 2mm. The TRD Pro comes with a stamped aluminum skid plate with a cool TRD logo. I believe the standard skids are steel.

For a "weekend warrior" that will take their vehicle off road a couple times a year, in mud and rocks, the stock skid plates are fine. That's not to say you can't hit rocks, but if you learn how to drive off road, the stock skids will be fine.

You end up with a damaged vehicle, not because of a lack of skids plates, but a lack of driver skill.

 

I’ll chatGPT sum it up.

factory should be fine, it’s not as thin as it seems.

for extra peace of mind 280 dollars on a factory plate doesn’t hurt. Plus it does look cool.

 

I'm a little late to reply here, but this was my experience...

I ran the stock skids for a season. They did their job, but it became obvious that I needed to upgrade.

If you're not banging them around in the rocks constantly, the stock skids will get the job done. Keep an eye on them, and use good judgment, and you'll be fine. If you start smashing them in, then it’s time to upgrade.

This was when I decided to upgrade:

 

I don't consider the TRD skid much of an upgrade. If it becomes clear that you're going to need real skids, go straight to a quality aftermarket set.

 

Fair enough, RCI are always on sale and people seem happy with them.

 

Definitely more beefy looking this way then just kneeing in front of the car lol

 

Get the aftermarket skid plates and be done with it. When wheelin', you may-

1) smash the factory skids to oblivion

2) break something on the chassis in the process.

3) Then you will buy new aftermarket skids 'cause the factory skids weren't up to the task.

I chose to skip steps 1 and 2. I didn't think I needed a gas tank skid, but soon became apparent that I did.

 

The factory front and engine skids are pretty light duty but is better than nothing.

It doesn't come with a transmission skid.

The little bracket looking little thingy that weighs in at about 6 oz that they call a transfercase skid is a joke.

Although I don't use mine for hardcore wheeling I still wanted better protection. Since I don't park in a garage I also wanted to better protect my CAT's so I opted for the full package from Talon's Garage. Very good solution without being too heavy. Overall a good compromise factoring in protection, weight & cost.

 

Sorry, mean to include a picture...

 

Most people I wheel with will splurge on sliders first. Skids will often come later since the factory ones are... well they're there at least.

 

Order of upgrades for me
1) tires
2) sliders
3) training

If you’re banging on the stock skids, upgrade as. Needed

 

There you go tempting me again...I did contact Talons about any upcoming holiday sales - their response: "Very likely"...