Best bang for buck skid plates?

I like the aluminium one from Pelfrey. Its around 380 usd.

 

I would either go all steel or all aluminum. Because you never know when you're going to bash something unexpectedly. Ask me how I know...

 

It does a good job since those malls aren't too rocky in so cal at least

 

Very true.....

 

BPF has a group buy going on right now for a TRD embossed edition.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-and-3rd-gen-trd-embossed-skid-plate.522576/

 

That’s actually very tempting..

 

I thought the same thing and jumped on board. If we hit 50 it’s into the next discount. If we reach 75, free tow hook!! Go for it!

 

RCI skid plates are fantastic. There are 3/16" powder coated steel, 1/4" aluminum in raw and a powder coated finish options. Additional support braces available and all plates tend to be less expensive than others. FWIW the 3rd gen Tacoma and 2nd gen skid plates are compatible. However the 3rd gen front skid plate has an oil filter door to access the oil filter on the bottom of the engine and the 2nd gen doesn't have a door because you access the oil filter from the top of the motor. Some people opt for a steel front skid plate for extreme durability and do an aluminum transmission and t-case skid plate to save weight. We also have a 5% discount (TW) for Tacoma World members.

 

Are those BPFs just a cosmetic upgrade or are they truly functional?

Ty

 

Well it’s 10g steel at 26lbs so I’m guessing the functionality is a lighter weight, sweet looking skid plate. So the best of both worlds. Haha

 

RCI

 

The OEM second gen aluminum skid plate will fit the third gens as well. In case you come across a good deal on one.

 

I got the RCI engine/trans/transfercase skids last year during one of their sales. Saved about 15%. All of them are the steel ones. Already paid for themselves as they kept me from destroying my transfercase.

 

Did these bolts on easily?

 

I have the full set. I installed them alone with a floor jack. Highly recommend them. coupon code TW for 5% off year round.

 

That’s a great endorsement. I’ve seen others where the bolts are recessed. Do these ever catch while sliding?

 

The rear most are round lag bolts and won’t be a problem. On the front skid the rear most ones have a plate that block them from a direct hit.

No concerns here in rocky Arizona.

 

Nice! Thank you for the info. I think I’m sold. May add the gas tank and rear diff armor too.

 

As others have said, you can use a floor jack to lift them in place. I used a low profile transmission jack and it was an easy process doing it by myself.

 

Good idea, i have a motorcycle jack I used to install the front and rear bumpers.