Poor design created radiator Problem on my 08 Tacoma

Strange thing happened this week! My 4 cylinder 5 speed 08 took a flying road rock to the front of the radiator spliting one of the cooling tubes. Dealer raped me for $560.00 to replace the radiator. I asked why that happened and the service writer said there is no protective under carriage to keep rocks or other debris from flying in behind the bumper and into the radiator. Sure enough I never noticed there is a very large open space and if a rock on the right bounce comes along it will trash the exposed radiator. I am really surprised Toyota designed the front end like this and I wanted to see if anyone knows of a mod that will help protect that area.
Thanks for the help!

 

Skid plate?? Welcome to the board!!

 

Can you recommed a website where I can find a skid plate?

 

Did you truck come with the stock skid plate?? IF not- you can try here with a Buy/Sell/Trade thread to get a stock one

You can look into aftermarket gear like BudBuilt or All Pro...

 

It did not have one from the factory...thanks for the recommendation! I will check it out. The ones that came up when I googled skid plate are mounted too far forward. Seems to be for looks and not function. I will check out the buy/sell.

 

The stock one will cover up that space a bit. It's not an amazing skid plate for off roading but it'll protect you from rocks and what not. If you want good protection off road- Go with the budbuilts..heard nothing but good things about them and Bud is a member around here somewhere.

Glad to help..>good luck finding something to work for you...

 

Thanks for the help and the welcome. This is a great forum and I have been reading from time to time but this was my first post.
You have been a big help!