3rd gen 4Runner skid plates

[irongeezer]

What are people using for skid plates on 3rd gen 4Runners.
I'd like something that's a compromise between the rock crawler plates and the factory dust shields. The plates that weigh 120 lbs and have to be removed to change the oil seem excessive for my application.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[p nut]

Not sure if there is an "in-between" option. You could get just the front skid as I don't think you'll need to remove to change the oil (if memory serves correct). Check out Budbuilt.

http://www.budbuilt.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=16&Itemid=170

 

[dms1]

I use Budbuilt, and yes you have to remove the front skid to change the oil if you don't want a huge mess. I use a HF Transmission jack to make removing the skid plate easy, I can remove it in 10 min.

 

[kanger]

I went with Savage Off Road skids. Very solid build, but you do have to remove 1 panel for oil changes. Fortunately, Roy designed the front set in 2 pieces so the piece you have to remove weighs less. I suppose if you don't want to remove panels for oil changes, you can always punch a small hole in it.
http://www.savageoffroad.biz/Skid-Plates_c_29.html

https://flic.kr/p/iyvH3ihttps://www.flickr.com/people/22443523@N08/

https://flic.kr/p/jS3o9Lhttps://www.flickr.com/people/22443523@N08/

 

[Milo902]

Any idea what those savage plates weigh?

 

[BigRogers]

What are people using for skid plates on 3rd gen 4Runners.
I'd like something that's a compromise between the rock crawler plates and the factory dust shields. The plates that weigh 120 lbs and have to be removed to change the oil seem excessive for my application.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

First I would ask what you use the truck for. If you wheel it go with the steel plates, if it is more an overland vehicle that isnt going to see any big ledges or rocks aluminum may be for you.
I don't know of anyone who produces them for the 3rd gen off the top of my head, but ARB, Asfir, and Ricochet makes some for the 4th and 5th gens I believe.
You will get the lightness you are looking for but you will give up longevity of usage. One big hit and they will be trash.

I went with Savage Off Road skids. Very solid build, but you do have to remove 1 panel for oil changes. Fortunately, Roy designed the front set in 2 pieces so the piece you have to remove weighs less. I suppose if you don't want to remove panels for oil changes, you can always punch a small hole in it.

Those are the same skids I run and love them. I have seen a few guys squish the front section a bit where SAVAGE is cut out but they still held up fine, and protected the truck from damage, as they are suppose to do. Roy was great to work with and even sent me a Christmas card!

Any idea what those savage plates weigh?

Full skids as shown in kangers pic will be in the 100-120 lbs range, similar to the budbuilt's. However I can attest that the 2 plate design is much lighter than the single piece the budbuilt's have. They are great, I'd by them all over again.

 

[troyboy162]

Budbuilt spans too far between frame tie ins. Skidrow has all the stock bolt locations present and I believe savage does too.

 

[kanger]

Correct, Savage mounts up to all stock bolt locations.

 

[4eigner]

Too bad you missed out on this one:http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-t4r-items/165844-3rd-gen-3-16-steel-skid-plates.html

 

[Milo902]

Full skids as shown in kangers pic will be in the 100-120 lbs range, similar to the budbuilt's. However I can attest that the 2 plate design is much lighter than the single piece the budbuilt's have. They are great, I'd by them all over again.

That's a good chunk of weight, at least it's low in the chassis. As I'm more of a casual wheeler, I plan on beating up the stock skids, then replacing with another used set when they are too beat.

 

[austintaco]

I'm on the fence, and have been for some time on skids for my 03 Tacoma. The factory ones have taken some hits, but nothing serious, but in my opinion, I would be buying them for that ONE hit, that could ruin a trip.

I also hate taking the factory one on and off. I complain and curse each time I have to do it and swear that I am going to buy some aftermarket ones. I think I just talked myself into it.

 

[slomatt]

The stock front skid plates hold up to moderate offroading fairly well, after 4 years of abuse I finally sheared the bolt off of one of mine. Obviously you can't go crazy and drag them over every rock you find but for me the weight savings when compared to full aftermarket skids was a major motivator.

On the other hand, the stock gas tank skid hangs down very low and tends to get hit often, and since it is thin metal this can result in a dented gas tank. I strongly recommend replacing it with an aftermarket skid.

Here's my dented gas tank which the stock skid did little to protect.

Lil Skip's Offroad skid plate. It now has a lot of scratches but has held up great.

Putting the gas tank skid (and sliders) to good use.

- Matt

 

[4eigner]

Putting the gas tank skid (and sliders) to good use.

- Matt

Are you running the Prado ARB front bumper?

 

[slomatt]

Are you running the Prado ARB front bumper?

Yes, I got a really good deal on it and it is slightly wider than the Taco bumper so it fits the sport/limited flares better.

- Matt

 

[4eigner]

Yes, I got a really good deal on it and it is slightly wider than the Taco bumper so it fits the sport/limited flares better.

- Matt

I was considering it, until I saw how far forward it stuck out. Don't you lose a ton of approach angle clearance with yours?


So as not to completely hijack this thread, OP have you tried contacting the thread starter of the link I posted?