Skid plates

So what is the best aluminum skid plates for the 3rd gen. I want something that will be protective but I don’t want all the added weight.

 

Looking at these myself.

https://greenlaneoffroad.com/16-tacoma/tacoma-full-engine-skid-plate

My truck isn’t an Instagram truck though. Just your run of the mill work truck.

 

if you shop Canadian, try Okanagen Expedition OKX. https://www.okexpedition.ca/2016current-toyota-tacoma/2016-tacoma-2pc-expedition-package

I put a full set on my truck. Primed and rattled canned black, and made up a matching red insert for the letter cutout.

 

Both look nice however I’m not in Canada. My truck is mainly a work truck so I just want a little piece of mind.

 

I am getting this one

https://rcimetalworks.com/product/2016-tacoma-front-skid-plate/

 

Have you looked at the OEM Tacoma TRD Pro skid?

 

RCI.

 

I compiled a list of companies over here. I personally have the M.O.R.E skids in AL.

 

+1 for greenlane

 

Just made a post on the RCI plates, which is what I run and I scrutinize everything for weight and performance more than most.

 

I have considered it does anyone make skids that fit with it if i decided down the road to add trans and transfer case skids?

 

RCI as seen here

 

Hey Crash - did you go with a full set of RCI skids or engine only? Any thoughts as to one or other besides weight?

 

I went with engine only for a while, I recently picked up the RCI trans aluminum skid plate as well. The Tcase is ontop of the cross member, so it isn't nearly as exposed. I don't see a skid there as necessary for the type of wheeling I do. One of the things I like about the RCI skids, besides offering aluminum options, is the continuous flat surface they provide when linked together.

 

I went RCI as well, but steel. I was trying to get aluminium transmission and transfer case skids, but the ass hat vendor I was ordering from cancelled my order, so I started making them. I think the IFS skid is best in steel. I have hit that hard a few times when I wasn't expecting a hit. I think I would have been replacing an aluminium IFS skid. The rears may see action, but it's not usually as much impact, more dragging. I think sliders and rear diff skids should be steel as well. Those are high impact areas. But I plan on mine taking a little abuse too.

 

Thanks for the quick response...now if you could just finish work on the definitive guide to gearing I know you have been planning to do! Or at least I hope you are planning on doing.

 

LOL, no plans on a gearing guide. I could make one I suppose.

Just take new tire size, divided by factory tire size to get the effective ratio difference. Then multiple that by the stock ratio and you get the ratio you need to return your effective ratio back to stock, which will likely be a ratio that isn't offered. Round that number up to the next available ratio to factor the weight of larger tires and additional weight on the truck.

Simple example:
33"/31"=1.064 (6.4% effective gear change from tires, aka torque loss)
1.064 x 3.73 (stock ratio) = 3.97. Rounding up to the next available ratio = 4.10.

To see the final difference from stock factoring the gear change with the larger tires
4.10/3.73=1.099 (gear change)
1.099 (gears) - 1.064 (tires) = 0.035

Aka 3.5% effective reduction in gearing from stock factoring larger tires and new gears, providing 3.5% more torque. It also means for a given speed, you'll be turning 3.5% more RPMs.

Some heavier trucks may jump to 4.56 for the extra toque. Doing the same math.
4.56/3.73=1.222 (gear change)
1.222 (gears) - 1.064 (tires) = 0.158

Aka a 15.8% effective reduction in gearing from stock factoring in larger tires and new gears, providing 15.8% more torque. And for a given speed you'll be turning 15.8% more RPMs.

While the deeper gearing may initially seem appealing, your fuel economy will be very likely be worse than gearing that is closer to the designed factory effective ratio.

 

I like this calculator when I'm comparing gearing.

http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html

 

RCI full Alum Skids with Trd Pro Front Skid & R4T LCA Skid

 

how is this working for you ?