Skid plate

Kind of an aside for this thread, but since we got on the Tacoma side of things, does anyone know if the burlier ~1/4" aluminum '24 Tacoma TRD Pro (front) skid will work on the LC?
 
Just installed my skid plates. If you reuse the existing bolts you probably don't need the bolts it comes with, really the only critical pieces would be the threaded clips to attach the plastic trim. Install was pretty easy, didn't need to use a jack or anything to hold up the plates, the keyhole slots worked great. Most difficult part was installing the bracket at the front, and that's just because it's not super clear how it goes.
 

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Kind of an aside for this thread, but since we got on the Tacoma side of things, does anyone know if the burlier ~1/4" aluminum '24 Tacoma TRD Pro (front) skid will work on the LC?
I may make mine available. I'm holding off until I can make the design to, hopefully, work with the GX.
6061-T6 sub frame with 3/16" thick 5052-H32 skids
Oil change access panels
Can jack the vehicle up from anywhere on the skids
Works with sway bar disconnect
53lbs
 

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Apologize if f this has been answered, I have looked through most of these threads. Is there anyone reporting real world experience with these skid plates functioning with some pretty good hits? Obviously nothing is going to defend against stupidity, but any real world reports of it successfully acting as more than a brush guard? Also any thoughts on aftermarket guards that my protect the radiator a bit better?
 
FE owners get a special document included with their set of manuals that explains the details of the "heavy-duty" steel skid plate found only on the FE models. Yes, it has to be removed for service, but it has a couple of bolts that you don't completely remove that allow you to replace it without having to hold it up while attempting to locate bolt holes. It looks quite thick and heavy.
 
Yes a hardware bag with black bolts that are smaller than those that came out of the stock vehicle (I did not use any of them), and the two u-nuts for the trim piece. Bummer, but all you really need is the slide-on u-nuts.
I was able to take the u-bolts from the oem old plastic skid. The small access panel had 3x u-nuts. Consequently, I needed to use m8 bolts from these locations to mount the trim piece to the new steel skid plate, instead of the spec’d m6 + u-nuts. Its over built now but works.

Thanks!
 
I understand that the First Edition has a different skid plate than other trims. Anyone have any idea what the difference might be?
I do. I have $6000 worth of damage from off-roading with the mid level (LC) "skid plates." They don't protect anything. The impact driving on the dunes destroyed my radiator and AC compressor and I haven't had my car for 1 month. Spend the cash to order the Toyota steel ones from the FI trim. I didn't know the difference but. now I do..
 

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I do. I have $6000 worth of damage from off-roading with the mid level (LC) "skid plates." They don't protect anything. The impact driving on the dunes destroyed my radiator and AC compressor and I haven't had my car for 1 month. Spend the cash to order the Toyota steel ones from the FI trim. I didn't know the difference but. now I do..
I don’t think the upgraded skid plate would have prevented your damage. Looking at the radiator placement this rig will need a custom radiator plate that is somehow tied into the frame (possibly at the tow hooks). The accountants definitely won the debate with the engineers on the radiator placement.
 
I don’t think the upgraded skid plate would have prevented your damage. Looking at the radiator placement this rig will need a custom radiator plate that is somehow tied into the frame (possibly at the tow hooks). The accountants definitely won the debate with the engineers on the radiator placement.
This is my first off-road rig so I’m a total newb. I’m sure you’re right but I feel like the better skid would have helped? In any case I’m getting that and will go to 17” wheels with a bigger tire to hopefully help
 
LC trim front and rear comparison
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Btw the instructions say to remove this piece but don't think I've seen anyone mention it in this thread.

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Extremely easy install with the PDF instructions shared in this thread. Feels like these simple things like changing the oil and swapping these skid plates come across much more difficult than they actually are. At least to a complete amateur like me.

Changing the oil will also be much easier now since only the front plate has to come off and it's literally removing 4 bolts and loosening 2.

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Installed the full skid plate (front and transmission) today along with the premium horn (ordered off eBay). The premium horn uses the same connectors so it’s literally just changing the horn heads - easiest mod ever. The skid plates went on with no hiccups thanks to all the info and pictures posted here. Thanks everyone who posted in this thread.
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Just installed my skid plates. If you reuse the existing bolts you probably don't need the bolts it comes with, really the only critical pieces would be the threaded clips to attach the plastic trim.
Thanks - I was able to re-purpose the u-nuts and bold holding down the small access panel.
 
Installed the full skid plate (front and transmission) today along with the premium horn (ordered off eBay). The premium horn uses the same connectors so it’s literally just changing the horn heads - easiest mod ever. The skid plates went on with no hiccups thanks to all the info and pictures posted here. Thanks everyone who posted in this thread.View attachment 12429View attachment 12430
Can you share a YouTube video of the new horn and part #? The OEM horn sounds like a circus clown...

Also, is that skid-plate steel?
 
Apologize if f this has been answered, I have looked through most of these threads. Is there anyone reporting real world experience with these skid plates functioning with some pretty good hits? Obviously nothing is going to defend against stupidity, but any real world reports of it successfully acting as more than a brush guard? Also any thoughts on aftermarket guards that my protect the radiator a bit better?
Took one decent hit on my first trip offroad, there is a pic of the skid plate afterwards in the trip report thread. The front skid ended up flexing upward and contacting some metal on the frame above it, but no real damage, I'm happy with how it performed.
 
On the middle crossmember where the front of the transmission skid bolts down, there was a black metal piece on the drivers side that seemed maybe in the way. I unbolted the 2 forward bolts of this piece then just placed the transmission skid over it then rebolted the skid plate through everything. The front skid then overlaps over this area, and it worked out. (Some had mentioned installing the front skid first, then sliding the transmission skid under it..)

I wasn’t sure if I should’ve removed this metal piece, as it seems like if I removed it, there were 2 hooks in the transmission skid that could’ve threaded through some of the holes in the frame crossmember to hold it up. With the plate in place, the hooks were too low to thread anywhere. But, I left the piece as it covers some wires and such on the drivers side.
 
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Not sure i saw that under my 1958. There was nothing to remove, just lower or drop the front skid (if already installed) and slot and bolt it up. Good luck!
 
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