What are your thoughts on skid plates?

[Rook]

I have the 1958 and am thinking of getting skid plates and rock sliders. I want to keep everything factory but I know the OEM toyota skid plates are thin and mounted to the radiator bracket....

I don't plan on rock crawling or doing heavy off roading so I don't think I'll necessarily need skid plates, however I do go off-road (Oregon mountain roads/fire roads) and plan on doing some light overloading next year.

I feel like the OEM skid plates are kind of useless compared to what the 1958 has, and any after market skid plate might be overkill for my use.

Thoughts, experience, ideas on said skid plates and OEM rock sliders?

 

[b407driver]

I feel like the OEM skid plates are kind of useless compared to what the 1958 has, and any after market skid plate might be overkill for my use.

I don't understand this statement, as I'm not aware that the 1958 has anything different than a base or premium LC. By 'OEM' skidplates do you mean the thin steel front plus plastic 'rear' that comes stock? Because the 'OEM' First Edition style (upgrade) skidplates are quite a bit more robust and would be perfect (maybe even slight overkill) for your apparent needs.

 

[jenos96]

If you’re going off-road you will want them. It only takes one misjudged rock to tear up your fluid pans or gas tank. That wasn’t a cheap fix when I had an Outback and I don’t wanna know what it’s gonna cost on a cruiser, yikes.

The most economical option is going to be the RCI plates. I think they’re probably the most “light duty” ones besides the OEM.

 

[uraniumrich]

I picked up the OEM skid plates (much heavier than the stock plates that come on the base LC) and installed them a few days ago. They are much heavier than the relatively thin front plate that comes on the LC. The Toyota skid plate is also a formed plate which will give it additional strength versus a flat plate. Here's what I paid:

T228-60242​	Lndc Frskp​	$313.50​	1​	$313.50​
PT228-35241​	Taco Lndc Skpl Under​	$256.50​	1​	$256.50​

That's cheaper than RCI, but I'm not sure how the OEM skid plate coverage compares to RCI.

 

[Rook]

I don't understand this statement, as I'm not aware that the 1958 has anything different than a base or premium LC. By 'OEM' skidplates do you mean the thin steel front plus plastic 'rear' that comes stock? Because the 'OEM' First Edition style (upgrade) skidplates are quite a bit more robust and would be perfect (maybe even slight overkill) for your apparent needs.

Yeah I meant the thin steel plate and the plastic rear, and by OEM I meant the FE Toyota branded skid plates.

 

[Rook]

I picked up the OEM skid plates (much heavier than the stock plates that come on the base LC) and installed them a few days ago. They are much heavier than the relatively thin front plate that comes on the LC. The Toyota skid plate is also a formed plate which will give it additional strength versus a flat plate. Here's what I paid:


That's cheaper than RCI, but I'm not sure how the OEM skid plate coverage compares to RCI.

do you mind sharing where you picked these up from?

 

[Rook]

If you’re going off-road you will want them. It only takes one misjudged rock to tear up your fluid pans or gas tank. That wasn’t a cheap fix when I had an Outback and I don’t wanna know what it’s gonna cost on a cruiser, yikes.

The most economical option is going to be the RCI plates. I think they’re probably the most “light duty” ones besides the OEM.

what are your thoughts on the Toyota "rock rails"?

 

[b407driver]

do you mind sharing where you picked these up from?

I personally bought them both from my local dealer, but 'online' during a sale (don't go to the Parts Dept!). Also, the rock rails seem (structurally) adequate, and quite low-profile, if you like that. I am used to RSG bumpout sliders and like having a step near the rear wheel, so someday will likely replace when there are myriad options out there. Haven't hit a rail yet, but I'm pretty sure they'd hold fast.

 

[uraniumrich]

do you mind sharing where you picked these up from?

You can find them online for a discount through many Toyota dealers. Mine are from Ed Martin in Indianapolis. It's really an odd thing, though, because you need to order online to get the discounted price, but you can still pick up locally in most cases. Search for online Toyota Parts from your local dealers.

 

[Beach Cruiser]

I ordered the RCI full skid plate package on Black Friday, still waiting on the transmission skid to ship. They seem robust enough for what I plan to do. They are cheap insurance against a rogue rock causing damage.
I’m still weighing options for rock rails. I’m not a fan of the FE rails as they are to close to be used as an entry step or to reach the top for washing.

 

[thurchik]

What do you guys think of these?
3mm. steel. Zinc coated.
I'm not very good in offroad stuff.
Seems the oil can be changed without detaching it?
Is it bolted to a frame?
Local company produces them.
Only tank skid plate is missing?
Full set is only $300. But still I'm not sure...

 

[Winchester44]

What do you guys think of these?
3mm. steel. Zinc coated.
I'm not very good in offroad stuff.
Seems the oil can be changed without detaching it?
Is it bolted to a frame?
Local company produces them.
Only tank skid plate is missing?
Full set is only $300. But still I'm not sure...
View attachment 27965
View attachment 27966

Do you have a link to specifications?

 

[fftfk]

I ordered the RCI full skid plate package on Black Friday, still waiting on the transmission skid to ship. They seem robust enough for what I plan to do. They are cheap insurance against a rogue rock causing damage.
I’m still weighing options for rock rails. I’m not a fan of the FE rails as they are to close to be used as an entry step or to reach the top for washing.

My MIL almost killed herself trying to get into the back seat trying to use the rock rail as a step.

Does anyone know if they are true rock rails (bolted/welded to the frame) or more accessory rock rails (bolted to the body panels)?

 

[jbe2289]

My MIL almost killed herself trying to get into the back seat trying to use the rock rail as a step.

Does anyone know if they are true rock rails (bolted/welded to the frame) or more accessory rock rails (bolted to the body panels)?

They are real rock sliders. They bolt to the frame and are robust. Maybe it’s just me, but they work as a step just fine. I installed a week ago and really like them.

 

[thurchik]

Do you have a link to specifications?

Unfortunately no. Only some pictures. So I'm trying to guess by photos with your help if they're worth 2 hours riding.

 

[ChrisMA1B]

My original 4wd vehicle was an International Scout II. When I got married, my new wife and I were planning a trip to Canada, including some back country off-roading. I told her I was planning to put a transmission/transfer case skidplate and she asked why I would spend that kind of money for something rarely used/needed. I did it anyway, and guess who hung up the vehicle on a big rock in upper Quebec? I told her "that's why" and she never thereafter questioned my vehicle protection choices. I save us a bunch of $$$...