RCI Front Skid Mod

This has been on my to do list for a while and finally got around to knocking it out today. I don’t have any before pictures but if you have the RCI front skid then you know about the gap between the skid and the factory jack point. I was worried that over time using a jack on the skid might dent the aluminum or crack the welds. To fill the gap I used three layers of 1/8” UHMW (its dense plastic used for crane jack pads).

Factory Jack Point

UHMW attached with double sided tape

Gap Filled

Location Marked

 

Where did you source the plastic?

Thinking Ill need to do this with my Victory skid.

 

I was worried about this as well but just used other jack points based on how many beers I drank while working on the truck.

But this is helpful. Thanks.

FYI I have the steel version, it def bends under pressure if you jack it up at ANY point on the skid.

 

You guys do realize that skidplates are made to smash into rocks right? I do realize the third gen section is skewed by illogical Instagram fantasies and leaky tacomabeast tail lights, but using a floor jack on a skid plate isn’t going to do anything to it. You do need to be mindful you don’t scratch it on anything in the mall parking lot though

 

Yeah, because there's no such thing as a 2nd gen mall crawler...

https://youtu.be/XO5d4MqZu5I

 

Amazon. A 12”x12”x1/8” was like $10

 

Hates the 3rd gen forums, but still hangs out here

 

Definitely not surprised to see a thread like this in the 3rd gen section, and definitely not surprised to see the tantrums about being called out for third gen mall crawl stupidity.

 

The trolls are getting really pathetic lately.

 

Nice write up on how to avoid unnecessary damage OP.

 

A mod that makes perfect sense. The OEM TRD skidplate does not have this gap at the central jacking point, so Toyota considered this as well. Good info, photos, and write up.

Too bad some guys got dropped on their heads as children and don’t have the remaining brain power to comprehend that you can’t jack a whole truck up off a 1/4” aluminum skid plate without at very least bending the skid plate.

Oh well. That’s life. 50% of people are below average intelligence. I think with 2G owners lurking the 3G forum it’s probably by more like 95%.

 

Don’t wanna scratch the lease big hoss.

 

I met an arrogant dork today that’s scared to bend a skid plate. Imagine that.

 

Bending your skid plate is not a good idea if it ends up contacting the chassis or breaking it’s mounts. Aluminum skid plates have their place in light off-roading to keep debris from snagging on the undercarriage and for “oh shit” moments. They are not for hard core rock crawling. OPs mod makes perfect sense to anyone with a fully functional noggin.

 

You guys are too sensitive

 

Nice job. Good easy solution here.

 

Identifies possible issue and implements an easy,cheap way to avoid an issue

Gets shit on for not cutting, welding, or smashing something before it becomes a problem.

 

Fully explains a situation as if, people don’t have the intellect to understand shit on their own. Sit down little boy.

y’all muhFkas need Jesus, or just to relax.wound to tight,life’s hard enough.

 

Well based off people getting pissy I'd say it was warranted. Show me on the tacoma where it hurt you