Broke My LC250

[PhiloEpisteme]

The LCLC models and up have the “better” skid plate which is a bit thicker than the 1958 model. But the problem still remains the same. They still bolt on to the radiator support bracket and are not reinforced. Any significant hit will damage that support bracket or worse the actual radiator. I’ve been seeing the aftermarket skids reinforce that area to better distribute any impact and not over stress the thin welds on the radiator bracket.

Here is an aftermarket skid with additional support. These oem ones are only intended for starbucks runs lol

Old thread but is this the DV8 Toyota Tacoma skid plate such as the one found here? If so, I haven't found one for an LC250 which doesn't mount to the same points as stock.

 

[Thx_1158]

Old thread but is this the DV8 Toyota Tacoma skid plate such as the one found here? If so, I haven't found one for an LC250 which doesn't mount to the same points as stock.

Victory 4X4 and a few others mount to recovery points and NOT the radiator supports. There are several threads on these skids and mounting.

 

[ptahkeem]

I wonder if there’s a way a third party could just help reinforce the radiator support…

 

[Thx_1158]

I wonder if there’s a way a third party could just help reinforce the radiator support…

I think the Tacoma guys have a few vendors that do that

 

[ptahkeem]

I think the Tacoma guys have a few vendors that do that

So I just did a Quick Look and it seems like their crossmember bar is to allow taco sport/limited models to have a crossmember to allow Toyota OEM skid plates to mount to. I’m not sure that these can be installed in our vehicles which already have the rad support to allow Toyota OEM skid plates to mount to. Wonder if someone can confirm whether these can be double upped?

 

[Thx_1158]

So I just did a Quick Look and it seems like their crossmember bar is to allow taco sport/limited models to have a crossmember to allow Toyota OEM skid plates to mount to. I’m not sure that these can be installed in our vehicles which already have the rad support to allow Toyota OEM skid plates to mount to. Wonder if someone can confirm whether these can be double upped?

That's why I just went ahead with the Victory skids. I put all three on (Engine, trans and transfer case).

 

[ptahkeem]

Sounds like a good choice but what about those that want to keep the OEM first edition style skid plates. I also wonder if 4G tacoma and 6G 4Runner owners will have a similar issue…

 

[Thx_1158]

Sounds like a good choice but what about those that want to keep the OEM first edition style skid plates. I also wonder if 4G tacoma and 6G 4Runner owners will have a similar issue…

I dont know how robust those FE skids are, but looking at the Skids on my LE Premium, there was no way I was going to keep them. I also like not having to drop skids when I change oil. Here are the transmission skids side by side.

 

[ERROR504]

I may have found a weak point in the lc250. Ended up hitting a rock over the weekend with my OEM skid plate and it dented in. As I went to remove it so I could hammer the dents out I realized the welds on my radiator support bracket were broken on the passenger side. Im guessing as the skid plate dented inwards, It pulled on the top 2 bolts that are attached to the tiny radiator support and cracked the welds. After examining the support I realize there is no reinforcement. Other Toyota I've own in the pass have cross bars or a thicker radiator bracket. this one is a tiny support that is not fully boxed in and only attached by some welds. It looks like an easy fix but maybe the aftermarket support will have better anchor point.

was going cruising speed about 15-20 mph/ no other damage aside form these cracks.

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What skids have you gone with after? Have they caused any issues like this again?

 

[yoadriantrd]

What skids have you gone with after? Have they caused any issues like this again?

I went ahead and used the steel RCI skids paired with their 24+ tacoma mounting crossmember. I had to chop off the broken radiator support to make it work. I will be swapping the front skid to the C4 one which utilizes the recovery points to secure it. as it pairs with their low pro front bumper that I will also be installing. No further issues. the skids hold up nicely while being banged up.