5th Gen Armor

very good info here.

 

great video

 

Does anyone known of a good skid front skid plate option that gives some frontal protection to the lower control arm mounts?

I was up on a rock the other day and the front driver tire slipped off it and the front tab of the control arm mount came down right on the rock. No bending (that would have sucked), because I came straight down on it. But if that hit carried any forward speed, I can imagine potential to bent that mount, and bind up the control arm.

The other reason I like the front skid plate to shield the LCA mount is just to help keep the salt off of it in winter. Pretty much all the ones I’ve seen leave the LCA mount wide open.

The only one that seems to have coverage is maybe the the 4x innovation plate, which is super nice. But they use 1/4 in plate, That is the definition of heavy, which be a real pain when it comes to my maintainance and post-mud washdowns routines. So if anybody knows of other options out there, I’d love to hear about them.

LCA skidplates are an option, but, Id like something that puts forces on the frame, not on the LCA and bushings. Although that’s better than leaving it open.

 

@McSpazatron
did you end up doing anything or not yet?


I just ordered some shock skids from fjtoyman that I’ll be installing this weekend
http://fjtoymanoffroad.com/shockskidsking/

Then I thought about LCA skids and was wondering if I need to get some or not. I saw that cali raised has some discounted for Black Friday. Anyone has them and has feedback? Or for those who has a LCA skid plate, which one do you have and why?

https://caliraisedled.com/products/2014-4runner-lower-control-arm-skid-plate

 

No not yet. I really like the 4X innovations plate system, since it seems to cover those LCA tabs on the frame. I’ve also seen these plates in person @Stoney Ranger, and they turn the vehicle into the closest thing to a MRAP the side of the army. Not only that but they look really nice.

But the more I think about maintenance, the more I realize how much of a trade-off armor is. I put a lot of miles on my 4runner, so semi-regular jobs like greasing the driveshafts, or transfer case/differential oil changes become a bigger deal with the 4X plates.

Thanks for reminding me about the shock skid plates. I need to get a set of those, let me know how you like them. I I have to get a Diff skid plate as well. Lol, I think I’ve managed to whack just about everything this summer. Not very hard, but enough to let me know it’s time to step up my armor game.

Regarding the LCA skid plates, I kind of consider LC A’s as somewhat expendable in the big scheme of things. So armor just to protect the underside of plate steel seems redundant unless it offers some thing more. The Cali raised ones don’t even cover the bolts or the frame mount area. So I’m not seeing the draw in those. I think I’d rather just keep my ground clearance.

 

Super easy install, very beefy, nice welds and good quality overall. I'm very happy!

 

Thanks for the pictures. Did you have to remove the shock bolt to install, or does it slip over it?

 

yes I had to remove the shock bolt, insert the skid then put the stock bolt back as well as another one that came with the skid to hold it firm.
Wheel doesn’t need to be removed as long as you don’t mind crawling under the truck. I removed to make it easier and because I’m lazy and also I like using the impact wrench. Turned out to be better as there was a lot of sand everywhere so I cleaned everything as well.
without the cleaning it took about 5 min per side

 

so you are saying if I am being pulled out, use the factory recovery points underneath on the frame - got it

 

If you're referring to the oem loops on the front of a stock 4R, those are not generally considered recovery points, IIRC.

 

That is correct because cross member those attached to is thin mild steel and will distort given any serious recovery stress. Those hoops mostly for tow truck winch getting this rig rolling up the flat bed.

 

RSG Metalworks sliders since they weren’t in the OP

 

I like the color matching of your sliders to the body. I just had RSG install my sliders and front skid 2 weeks ago and love em'!

 

Is this true for the TRD Pro as well? Good to know if I ever decide to help someone out of a snowbank here in MN.

 

I have had issues finding the actual spring rate for these as the icon website and multiple dealers don’t list it. In my opinion they are stiffer than stock as I have considerable weight added on my T4R. Might be good to try a spacer at 0.5” just to see if that height and ride is suitable and go from there.

 

All 4runners have the same tow loops in the front. While I wouldnt say they are welded onto thin mild steel (I’m sure it’s the same kind of steel as the frame, and just as thick), the problem is that it isnt the frame rails proper. The manual states those loops are sufficient for getting towed (like on flat roads). But using them to yank someone out isn’t a good idea.

 

We run a crap-tonne of armor and we love all of it.

From front to back:
Front bumper: Warn semi-hidden winch mount

• Love this bumper. Cheaper than other options and mostly in stock via Amazon or other places. Stout recovery points and great winch access. We did an impression of a lawn-dart in Moab and landed right on the lower edge of this bumper with the full weight of the truck. Just slightly dented the front edge. VERY stout for recovery, too. We've used the heck out of it and love the low-profile look.

Belly skids: 4xInnovations full skid set (notched for KDSS and our Tacobox)

• Wanted full-width, heavy-duty steel skids and these did the trick. Oil changes are easy with the two inspection plates that can be removed.

Sliders: 4xinnovations

• Beefy, easy install and great for roof access steps.

Lower Link frame mount sliders/reinforcement: RCI

• Had to trim the 4xInnovation slider mounts a bit to fit these, but they're solid and an easy install otherwise.

Gas tank: OEM for now

• We'll see how she does on tougher trails.

Rear Diff: Going with the C4 fab KDSS model with locker cover (pending)

• Folks either want these or they don't and C4 fabs mounting solution seems to be better than other options. I think peace of mind that you're hitting the skid and not the diff or driveshaft is worth the 1" or so of lost clearance. Also, our rear driveshaft is a brand-new, custom shaft due to our Tacobox install, so It's worth it to me to protect it.

Lower rear shocks: RCI

• No brainer, easy install - lowest part of the truck - makes sense to us to protect it. the powdercoat got sandblasted in Anza-Borrego, but is holding up well.

Rear bumper: Victory4x4 Strike bumper (with swingaways - off at the moment )

• One of our favorite mods. Gained clearance, protection, 2 recovery points and with about 20 fasteners, we retained a valid towing point that's probably stronger than stock. It's a great rear step to get up to the roofrack, and honestly it creates a very useful 8" deep x 30-40" wide table surface at the back of the truck. Great for setting out snacks, sitting, prepping simple meals/drinks, etc.
• I also love that you can order this without single/dual swing-aways and just order them later, if you want. We did the bumper and one swing-away, although, since we use our truck for other things, it's really nice having the carriers off for quick hatch access.

 

New hardware and spacers on ARB KDSS full skid plate kit (not including rear end) + hitch skid

 

Rear bumper armour paint, just because

 

These are amazing

 

Demello was my favorite one!!

 

CBI Front Bumper

 

My old Victory4x4:



New SSO:

 

What made you decide to switch from Victory to SSO?

 

Fit and finish. Better design. Thought I could save $200 thinking they are all built the same.... I was wrong.

 

Ahh, ye old "Buy once, cry once." I'm still learning this lesson myself, good to know about the fit/finish of the SSO though. Thanks!

 

Wasn't sure if this was the right thread to ask this, but I figure it would be better than starting a one off.

I just picked up some used Shrockworks Rock Sliders. They aren't in bad condition - just a few minor rust spots around the screw holes. I was wondering if I could strip them and do a coat of bed liner or is it even worth it?

(not my grass - only picture I had)

 

How much salt is laid down in the winter? If you lived where salt is spread twice a week from Dec to March yeah, I'd address the little bit of rust. But you're in OK. I'd mount 'em and forget it.

 

I've never seen rock sliders with such few bolts or small and few mounting points. Looks like it would bend if you needed it.

 

Just got my rock sliders sliders in. Man, these things are huge seeing them in person, pictures don’t really do them justice.

It sounds like there are often issues with installing both rock sliders and lower link skids, where they run into each other at the same point on the frame. Has anyone else ran into this? I held off on installing my lower link skids so I could do it all at the same time. From what I’ve read, I may have to cut part of the mounting plate on the sliders.