TomTom's '03 TRD Xtra Cab (SOLD!)

Tuned CBs today. Got OK numbers on mine: Ch 1 - 2.1; Ch 20 - 1.0; Ch 40 - 2.0.

And I took a new picture.



I need to make a decision on a skid plate.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/group-buys/278722-gb-2-1st-gen-tacoma-3rd-gen-4runner-3-16-steel-skid-plates.html

I'm ready to see your truck in person. I've never seen an Elite bumper.

 

I've been eyeing his work. Doesn't look like he's selling the IFS skid separately this time around. So I've been eyeing the BudBuilts instead. He offers a choice of 1/8", 3/16" and stainless.

I'm considering the 1/8" for the weight reduction but won't have the durability of 3/16.

I'm considering the stainless because I won't have to worry about painting and repainting but it adds $140 to the cost.

So I'll probable give up at some point when I get tired of the internal debate and order the 3/16" regular steel version.

 

cb tuning FTW

looks like that should be your sig pic

 

I really want either 1/8" or 1/4" aluminum. 1/8" may be too thin, but aluminum isn't as slick and is softer.

 

that would be expensive as hell!

 

BudBuilt offers 1/4" aluminium for a $145 upcharge, same price as stainless.

Could see doing Al on the bumpers but wouldn't on a skidplate. Hardness of steel is really helpful in being able to slide off of obstacles.

 

Haha yeah, but I'm wanting my truck to stay light as it will be my DD for quite a while.

Yeah, that was exactly my thinking. I'll probably try to go 1/8" steel.

 

Yeah, glad we caught that short. Should have a lot more range now.

How you like it now, Hans Brix?

 

I think you definitely need to go with 3/16" on the skid plates. 1/8" just won't hold up to the type of wheeling you do. Aluminum is going to get trashed quickly too. I think it is just way too soft for skidplates, unless you're cool with replacing them every couple years.

Budbuilts are great, but I would highly recommend some reinforcment of the belly skid or it will bend. The IFS skid should be fine as is, but the belly skid needs some help for sure.

 

Those skids are great, just got them in and installed last week. Love the protection of the two piece skid. Transmission is completely covered and the transfer case is partially protected. These would be a good choice of skids based on price and the quality together imo.

 

Well, I had it all decided I was just going to forget the stainless steel and get the basic BudBuilt front skid and now I'm all confused again with this glowing review of Ryan's work. Time to make a pros/cons list.

 

17.3 mpg on the latest tank. That's a full tank on 33s and the new 4.56 gears.

 

Thats not to bad at all

 

Oh ya, and checked the front diff. No leak so it 'twas the drain plug.

 

i know what you mean

lookin good my friend

 

just ordered an IFS skid from BudBuilt. Plain ol' 3/16" steel.

 

you'll like it

 

Hopefully my truck will too!

Your comment about the look of the stainless got me siding against it. The extra cost and lack of rust due to living in the desert clinched it. Probably just take some matte black primer to it and touch up as needed.

 

I just put the stock one back on until the new one comes in. I keep forgetting what a POS the stock one is.