Skid plates came in

Does the install involve removing the two stock brackets/braces that go from the front diff mount area to the radiator support?


I see some skids keep them, others ditch them. Sucks that it seems like most aluminum skids, your options are getting to your oil filter with your sanity intact, OR having a front jack point. Not both.

I've beaten the living crap out of my RCI Aluminum skids and I need a fuel tank skid now, and it looks to me like the Rival units would have a bit higher clearance.

 

Those brackets are still there. The only thing I removed was the stock skids. I haven’t tried jacking from the middle, I have two floor jacks so I usually put one on each side.

 

Gotcha. I just bought the Rival fuel skid so based on how that goes I may switch my front skids from RCI to Rival.

One feature of the RCI skids that I really do like is that they offer a filler plate to fill that gap where the radiator is exposed at the very front/top of the skid. Not just for protection, but for airflow over the radiator it's a good idea.
I don't hate the skids, I just feel some of the design choices led to a lower ground clearance than really necessary.

 

Rsg has a filler plate now that’s supposed to work with any aftermarket or factory skid. I’m tempted to make one and maybe cat guard out of aluminum myself. Those small pieces wouldn’t be hard.

 

Hey man, new owner of your old 4runner. In the market for skid plates and came across your post. How do you like the Rival so far? Pics with most of my upgrades..loving it.

 

Truck looks good. I always thought it would look better with black wheels. I really wish I could have kept it and got the new one.

As far as the skids go, I’d definitely buy them again. They seem to be well built and were cost effective. I looked at RCI and Budbuilt as well. I might have gotten the Budbuilt steel if I was off-roading more. The Rival aren’t making any noise, cover nicely and best is the oil change doors.

 

Thanks for the input sir. I have 3 shopping carts full with skids right now and not sure yet which ones I am gonna get. RCI, Rival and RSG...

 

I wanted aluminum because I knew I wouldn’t be dropping mine on rocks. If I hadn’t found the Rival I would have ordered RCI, but I don’t think they’re worth the extra $400. The rival also is wider at the front.
If your wanting steel I would look at the Budbuilt. They’re in Hudson/Lenior NC, not far from you. The steel 3/16 or lighter overland is less than $1000 without powder coating.

 

Same here. Not going crazy rock crawling either but want some kind of protection in case I end up in an area where I wish I would have them on. RCI would still be almost $300 more despite the 20% off Laborday deal they have right now. Pretty sure I will pull the trigger on Rival. Thanks again for all the information.

 

I emailed Rival to find out if they considered the front jacking point as @Nitori mentions above and to see if I can pick them up from their location in Conroe as I live just a few miles away on pretty much the same road.

Regarding front jacking point, they said that their support bracket covers the crossmember and that they have not tested it as a jacking point. Bummer on that as I use that spot to lift the vehicle. Perhaps I could fab a piece but it looks like it may be a bit challenging as I would not want to modify their skid plate but build a new bracket instead.

For those that want to pick them up from Rival, they said they stock them in a warehouse in Houston and not at the Conroe location.

Still the best option for me IMO. Just need to consider if I am willing to fab up a bracket to make it work the way I want.