Guess it's time to get skids...

I was rolling around in some short snow, went into a small unseen ditch, felt a bump after the wheel went down, then got out and surveyed the damage. The driver-side frame brace is the only thing with a scratch on it and looks like it took the hit without bending. Here's some pics:

So, I think I could leave as-is and get away with it. Keyword: could. I'm new to the Tacoma life and was planning on using this upcoming Spring and Summer to learn a bit, which is why I've decided to get some 1/4" steel skids (the braces are like $60-80 each, so it's a no-brainer whether to replace braces or get new skids). I've seen in this thread:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...g-brackets-for-installing-skid-plates.442108/

that IFS and mid skids will replace this brace as well as one further towards the front (and their left-right equivalents). Seems legit. I'm confident that a 1/4" steel skid can perform any "bracing" function these braces are performing now along with the obvious increased protection from increased surface area. My question to fellow TWers is: should I be worried about the rest of my frame? As you can see from the pics, the brace took a pretty big dent. From my checkup, I can't notice any bending in the frame around where the brace bolts on, at least compared to the passenger side. Is this an issue worthy of taking to a frame pro?

 

1/4" steel is an overkill for almost every Tacoma out there. Unless you plan on dropping your truck off ledges onto the skids save the 20+ lbs. What you got is cosmetic damage and it would have been more noticeable with a skid plate taking up ground clearance.

 

Thanks. Yeah I probably would've heard the same from skid vendors. I'll just go 3/16"

 

Although this is for 2nd gen trucks , there is some good info here

Skid plate reviews
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/307109-aftermarket-skid-plate-reviews.html

 

You just missed the group buy for RCI but they are just up the road from you so no shipping costs.

 

You would have to be going pretty fast to damage your frame.

 

Mobtown front ,transmission and transfer skids steal!

 

@Mobtown Offroad that looks bad ass. It all flows very well.

 

do you mind the weight OP? nobody going off-road wants aluminum, but it's a great weight saver for everyone else. just an option to consider for light protection.

 

I have a Relentless mid and transfer case combo skid for sale. All you'd need is the front skid to go with it.

 

When will my group by Mobtown Skids be here? The anticipation is crushing me!!!