Newby Skid-Plate Question.

[Glen Prior]

Just bought a 2019 TRD Offroad. Looking to install skid plates. Watching the CBI install videos, I was surprised to see that four braces have to be removed. Wouldn't this compromise rigidity? Especially with aluminum?
Thanks for your expertise.

 

[Glen Prior]

Hello? Hello? Anybody out there?

 

[MR E30]

Compromise the rigidity of what? What do those (4) braces do in the first place?

Without knowing these answers it's difficult to tell.

But many of us run aftermarket skids without issue. Hard slams and a new jack point are par for the course with aftermarket skids; the lack of those braces is not an issue.

 

[dstefan]

Any of the good aftermarket armor manufacturers will provide the necessary bracing on their skid plates to fit correctly for your model. CBI is certainly one of these. You’ll find that the aftermarket kid plates are far better functionally than the OEM version.

 

[llamalander]

👆Without seeing the truck, there's a good chance that an aluminum skid-plate thick enough to be worth installing will be the cross-brace. If you're using aluminum, you're paying extra to get something with a similar strength to steel that weighs less. Removing the existing steel braces will help offset the additional weight of the skids.

 

[Glen Prior]

Thanks guys. I don't know anyone personally to ask these questions of, so I appreciate your insight. It makes sense that a reputable supplier would design adequate bracing into the skid.