Skid plate ideas

Hey guys
So I'm trying to read but can't find an exact answer. I'm looking to install some skid plates for full protection under the taco. I dont offroad much but want to feel safe doing so. I want more than a front skid Looking to do a full set up and get it all done. What do you think about this arb setup? Do I still need to buy a gas tank skid as well w this? What are you guys all running?
Thanks

 

Can you provide a link to the specs?

I have stock OR wheels and 265/75/16’s so my frame is not much higher than stock. I did lift it 1.75” so I have some body clearance, but decided to get all steel Mobtown plates, and also added sliders and covered my fuel tank and differential. This was a good thing to do for me as we do like to explore remote trails and roads out there by ourselves and they are not always maintained or the best, so we have scraped on ledges and hit rocks.

If you are on muddy roads or lose sand and gravel a lot, those plates look like they would clean out easier than the solid bottom plates, but they also look like they will snag on rocks. Are they aluminum? Snagging will tear them up I would think if they are very light steel or aluminum.

 

If you do light rocks (below), should be fine. Also consider a small lift and look into getting sliders.

 

I do want to get sliders after skids. I just don't know, or can't figure out, how to do the most coverage underneath. I'd rather spend money protecting it, vs paying to repair it, ya know. I saw motown offers different plates, but im not sure which ones I'd all need

 

Must have been really light rocks, what was that following you?

 

I just read they’re 3mm steel, not much difference than the stock OR or TRD plate. If you do hit rocks with it, it will get dented up, but its better than nothing under there.

As for Mobtown and others, you will need the three plates to cover what you said you wanted. The main one is the front or IFS skid plate, the second (optional) is the transfer case skid and the last (optional) is the transmission skid.

Also consider getting your exhaust pipe leading from the left (drivers) side rerouted where it passes under the transmission, with a stock truck you are more likely to hit it and it is the lowest part of your truck besides the differential.

 

Like someone said above, there are three skid plates: front, mid, trans. Mobtown, CBI, RCI, etc. all sell them. Pick a manufacturer. Buy them in that order. They're about $200-300 each.

 

Anyone running a gas tank skid too?

 

It would be nice (on my list), but if I drag on a rock and I feel it sliding along my whole underside, I usually just stop and back up... choose a new line... You can do a lot without that much armor. You might get more bang out of front skid + sliders than full underarmor.

 

True, but you are more likely to hit it another way, too. I had an issue with it going across a washout with a steep drop and ended up close to a high center with my 1st gen. Luckily, it came with a steel OEM gas tank and a steel plate on it, so it was fine. So, I put on a steel CBI gas tank plate on my 3rd gen too.

@Jasonstacoma - Just like Craig suggests, if you don’t off-road much, I wouldn't go too overboard with plates- maybe just get a good front one and sliders, and wait until you decide to get a reroute on your exhaust crossover before getting the rest.

 

ARB aren’t really thick enough to upgrade IMO.

Gas tank armor is not necessary (maybe for the top 0.1%, hardcore). If you are getting a rock to hit that spot you might be screwed with or without armor, it’s way up there.

 

Would you recommend rci? I saw one that is all one piece all the way back.

 

Victory 4x4
RCI Off Road
Mobtown Off Road
CBI Off Road Fab
4x Innovations
BAMF
SOS Concepts
TRD
ARB
BPF
BudBuilt
M.O.R.E.
Green Lane
DV8
Ricochet
ASFIR
ArmorTech
OKX
Slee
OCF
EX1
Trail Toys
RCR4WD

Who else am I missing?

 

Bamf

 

Any advantages/disadvantages to going all one piece vs 3

 

I have mobtown 3/16 with flat bottom. That required me to re route my exhaust near my transfer case. Which is what id recommend doing. that way its true turtle bottom.

Any 3/16 steel skid will do for mild offroading. If you plan on doing anything heavy Id say go buy a Beef ass BAMF 1/4 skid set

 

Your oil filter is under the front stock skid plate. The bigger the skid the more you or the guy changing your oil will hate you.

Mines made by a Canadian company and the front piece comes off similar to the stock one. It’s “fun” taking it off with one hand on it and one on the ratchet. (Driveway)

Some other manufacturers have access windows to access the filter some don’t.

 

They're all multiple pices, you simply save money buying them all at once.

Thanks! Added..

 

I’m running the RCI aluminum gas tank skid plate.

 

SOS Concepts

Best T-case skid design on the market IMO.